Shows
The Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE122: Guidelines for Maybe Diagnosing HLHThis week I cover another of my newsletters, though I mostly use it as a skeleton to riff on a common (and challenging) issue for rheumatology consultants; diagnosing HLH. Check out the guidelines themselves here and have a listen to the podcast!
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(23)00273-4/fulltext
2025-04-1711 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE121: Obinutuzumab in SLE-LNAnother day, another b cell podcast. Seems to be all the rage! This week I discuss the recently published NEJM trial of the anti CD20 agent obinutuzumab in lupus nephritis. Worth a read and listen, paper can be found here: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2410965
2025-04-0218 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE120: Real Life Use of PEXIVAS-LowWhat do you do when observational data and RCTs conflict? This week I'm covering the "real world PEXIVAS" study that was done by the French Vasculitis Study Group. Great read, interesting issues, have a listen and be sure to share with friends!
2025-03-0624 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE119: Teclistamab for Rheumatology Writ LargeOne of my rare case-report podcasts, a topic that I typically avoid. The craze about CAR-T has also made me a little crazy, though, so I wanted to share what I think may be the ultimate destination for "more B cell depletion than rituximab" strategies.
Article: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2407150
2025-02-1010 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE118: The emerging risk of overdiagnosis in RA and PMRPodcast this week about overdiagnosis! Currently one of my favorite topics and something that I think will be an emerging issue in our field. We recently published a Viewpoint in Lancet Rheumatology (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39341221/) addressing this issue. I'm going to read from it and after that will be giving a few final (spicy) thoughts on the topic. Hope you find it worthwhile! s
2025-01-3116 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE117: Inebilizumab for IgG4-RD (MITIGATE)New RCT in a new disease with a new drug! But is it as shiny as one would hope? Interesting discussion today about what a trial means, how it will affect practice, and how we could do better as a field. Happy holidays everyone!
2024-12-0312 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE116: A New Paradigm for PMRReading one of my recent newsletters this week, this one about PMR tapers. Be sure to subscribe at ebrheum.com if you want access to the visuals and upcoming editions!
2024-11-1109 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE115: Benralizumab for EGPA - the MANDARA StudyQuick rundown of an important rheumatology RCT this week, discussing the IL-5 inhibitor benralizumab for the treatment of relapsing/refractory EGPA.
MANDARA Study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2311155
2024-10-2809 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE114: Target Trials and STAR-RA with Rishi DesaiImportant methodology podcast this week, covering a lot of ground with expert epidemiologist Rishi Desai. Really enjoyed our conversation and glad to be publishing today!
**House Keeping Note: we actually recorded this ~15 months ago but I somehow lost the audio... which somehow re-appeared! #technology
STAR-RA: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35027405/
2024-10-1431 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE113: CAR-T is Coming to RheumatologyExciting podcast this week about the upcoming / impending use of CAR-T in rheumatology. Highly recommend rheumatologists learn about this now; it's going to be a big thing for many years to come. In a future episode I will lay out my case for skepticism, but for now I think a good run down of the first big published series will be enough!
NEJM CAR-T Case Series: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2308917
Nature Review Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-024-01139-z
2024-09-3014 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE112: Gabapentin is TrashThis week's podcast will be a quick read of one of my newsletters. The title basically speaks for itself! Find the newsletter and my other work at ebrheum.com
2024-09-1206 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE111: PEXIVAS Subsets with Mike Walsh & Mats JunekAt ACR23 I had a twitter-disagreement about steroid tapers from PEXIVAS with Mike Walsh, the lead author on the PEXIVAS trial. He kindly agreed to join me for a moderated discussion. Loved hearing his perspective and have to admit he pulled me closer to his practice... but not all the way there. Longer podcast than usual but I prefer to release audio uncut and this took as long as it needed! Hoping y'all enjoy.
Articles referenced during the podcast:
PEXIVAS: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1803537
PEXIVAS DAH Subset: https://www...
2024-03-2539 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE110: Rheum4Debate - Screening for RA-ILD with Joshua Solomon and Scott MatsonRheum4Debate is back!
In this episode I moderated a debate between two pulmonologists about RA-ILD. As a reminder, Rheum4Debate is an Oxford-style debate show, where two debators disagree over a motion during 3 rounds of discussion. The motion for todays show was:
“Asymptomatic patients with rheumatoid arthritis and high risk features for interstitial lung disease should be screened using pulmonary function testing and a high resolution CT scan”
Joshua defended the motion and Scott argued against it. I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion and am sure you will as well!
2024-03-1424 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE109: Abatacept for Pre-RA - the ARIAA StudyNice study this week on an important topic. Can we prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis by initiating DMARDs during a preclinical phase? Lots to discuss: what does it mean to be "pre-clinical?" How does this fit with other studies of this nature?
Check it out! https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)02650-8/fulltext
2024-03-1116 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE108: Myositis Guidelines for Cancer Screening w/Alexander OldroydInformative podcast this week with Dr. Alexander Oldroyd, the first author of the recently published "International Guideline for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy-Associated Cancer Screening." The article itself appeared in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and provides what I think is a very useful framework for approaching this issue.
Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-023-01045-w
2024-02-2616 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE107: Fragility of SLE Randomized Controlled TrialsQuick methodology episode this week discussing the concept of "fragility" in randomized controlled trials of lupus. Really enjoyed discussing this paper and was grateful to have been a part of it. Get the text here: https://lupus.bmj.com/content/lupusscimed/11/1/e001068.full.pdf
2024-02-0513 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE106: GCA/PMR with Bhaskar DasguptaToday I'm taking another twitter discussion into the podcast realm! Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta has published hundreds of papers about polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, including a recent publication in Nature Reviews: Rheumatology that piqued my interest (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-023-00976-8).
In this podcast we discuss screening for GCA among patients with PMR, what it means to have a diagnosis, the role of novel IL-6 inhibitors, and many other topics. Have a listen and follow me @ebrheum and Dr. Dasgupta @profbdasgupta
2024-01-2428 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE105: Autoimmunity Post COVID-19?Interesting topic and interesting paper this year, including discussion of observational biases, positive and negative controls, and interpreting data as it comes.
Paper: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2810259
2024-01-0917 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE104: Sarilumab for PMR - The SAPHYR StudyImportant trial on the podcast this week! I take a deep dive into the recently published SAPHYR study, which evaluated the use of the IL6 inhibitor sarilumab for patients with PMR. A few aggravating quibbles but overall a very useful trial and an important step forward for patients with PMR.
Article: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2303452
2023-12-1418 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE103: Len Calabrese on Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19This week I took a twitter disagreement from the impersonal world of twitter to the podcast world of a back and forth conversation. Really enjoyed talking to Dr. Len Calabrese about monoclonal antibodies, FDA regulatory pathways, and life in general.
2023-10-2322 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE102: Unintentional Unblinding in Rheumatic Disease TrialsExcited to share an editorial that I wrote along with Cody Bruggemeyer and Desh Nepal, two trainees with me at the Medical College of Wisconsin. We discussed what I believe to be a pervasive (but seldom discussed) issue in rheumatology RCTs: unblinding. I suspect many of our studies suffer from this. Have a listen!
2023-10-1611 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE101: Pred v Colchicine for CPPD: COLCHICORTHappy to share the FIRST randomized trial in CPPD today. It's kind of a weird study but worth a quick discussion.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665991323001650
2023-10-0210 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE100: ADVOCATE Health Related Quality of LifeThis week I dive into the health related quality of life measures that were reported in the ADVOCATE study. I found them overall somewhat convincing and they have affected my practice. Have a listen and be sure to follow along. Find my work at ebrheum.com
2023-09-1815 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE99: Hospital ProblemsQuick episode this week from a recent Perspective piece I had published in the New England Journal. Have a listen or a read!
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2304828
2023-09-0707 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE98: Key Opinion Leaders & ILD GuidelinesPodcast this week discussing key opinion leaders (KOLs) and pharmaceutical companies. Please subscribe to my newsletter (ebrheum.com) and be sure to share the podcast with friends!
2023-08-2410 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE97: Does allopurinol reduce CVD? The ALLHEART StudyNice quick RCT rundown this week, covering the ALLHEART study, a pragmatic RCT of urate lowering therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease. Quick listen for a useful teaching point!
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01657-9/fulltext
2023-04-2710 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE96: Long COVID - Where to After Norway?Today I cover the recently published long-COVID study from Norway. It's a great paper that challenges much of the prevailing wisdom. I think there are some interesting limitations, but anyone who sees post COVID patients (aka all of us) would do well to read it. Or have a listen here!
PDF: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802893
2023-04-1319 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE95: Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide in ANCA VasculitisFun study this week from JAMA Network Open and the French Vasculitis Study Group. They used a target trial emulation (one of my favorites) to ask whether RTX > CYC in AAV (another one of my favorites). I tried to use this to compare between observational and randomized data.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799018
2023-03-3020 min
MONEY BUYS FREEDOM PODCASTMultifamily Expert: MICHAEL PUTMAN |THE ROAD TO 1000 RENTAL UNITS, BRRR STRATEGY, SELF STORAGE |THE ROAD TO 1000 RENTAL UNITS | MICHAEL PUTMAN
WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/Wynningteam757
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TI7Grj...
APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id...
LINKEDLN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chan...
HOST: Tyler Wynn ( https://www.instagram.com/wynningteam... )
FEATURING: MICHAEL PUTMAN (https://www.instagram.com/roadto1000u... )
MICHAEL AND JESSY PUTMANS are a husband and wife real estate investing team. Michael shares their story on how they scaled to 72 units in 3 states and their strategy on scaling to 1000+ units by being creative.
****DISCLAIMER*** I AM NOT A CPA, ATTORNEY, INSURANCE, CONTRACTOR, LENDER, OR FINANCIAL...
2023-03-171h 14The Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE94: Steroids and Psoriasis FlaresThis week I hope to debunk one of rheumatology's "paradoxes." We love to talk about these and subject our fellows to memorizing them for the boards. We often use them to guide clinical practice, but I suspect that many "paradoxes" are actually the result of shoddy epidemiology. Todays' paper from JAMA dermatology covers one that I have heard frequently, which is that steroids cause psoriasis flares. I hope you enjoy!
Follow me @ebrheum and check out my newsletter where I cover more of these (links on ebrheum.com)
2023-03-1607 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE93: Azathioprine is the WorstToday I'll be reading one of my recent newsletters! It's kind of a fun run-down of my anti-azathioprine stance. As I say in the piece, some patients may benefit from azathioprine and I am not saying it is an entirely useless drug or that nobody should ever prescribe it. Rather, I am just saying that it is likely the worst option for nearly every indication for which it could be prescribed.
Please subscribe AND JOIN my newsletter if you would like to support my writing and podcasting! https://t.co/RIzRvWnSfv
2023-03-0207 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE92: Are muscle symptoms from statins imaginary?Today I review a recent large meta analysis of randomized controlled trials of statin use. Super interesting findings that have changed my clinical practice. Check out the paper here and listen to the episode!
Paper: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(22)01545-8/fulltext
"Internet driven cult" editorial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28738422/
2023-02-1610 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE91: Clinical Innovation in Rheumatology: Past, Present, and FutureChange of pace today! I interviewed Jason Liebowitz and Phil Seo about their new book entitled "Clinical Innovation in Rheumatology: Past, Present, and Future." I thoroughly enjoyed the book and had a great time interviewing them about some of their "futuristic" topics. Grab the book (or better yet, have your division get some copies) at the link below and be sure to share the podcast with friends!
https://www.routledge.com/Clinical-Innovation-in-Rheumatology-Past-Present-and-Future/Liebowitz-Seo/p/book/9781032074917
2022-12-1519 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE90: There Is No Diagnosis of Exclusion in RheumatologyQuick episode this week to share an editorial I recently wrote with Jay Patel and Anisha Dua. We cover one of my least phrases in medicine, the "diagnosis of exclusion."
Hope you enjoy! Find the original paper here: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/rheumatology/keac278/6584804
2022-12-0106 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE89: Vitamin D to Prevent Osteoporotic FracturesExciting (negative) results from a large RCT on the podcast this week as well as a (mini) rant about how we should be spending our time as rheumatologists and the false security of ineffective treatments.
Let me know what you think on twitter @ebhruem
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202106
2022-11-1011 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE88: HCQ Dose Reductions and SLE FlaresInteresting case-crossover study today evaluating the association between HCQ dosing and risk of SLE flares. Super worth your time to read the paper or listen to this episode!
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2796634
2022-10-2710 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE87: IVIG for DermatomyositisPodcast is back! This week I discuss a pivotal RCT in dermatomyositis. Check it out and be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at ebrheum.com!
2022-10-1317 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE86: Target Trials and Causality in RheumatologyMixing it up again this week to discuss an editorial by Miguel Hernan and a systematic review of target trials in rheumatology. It's kind of a fun free-form stream of consciousness. Hope you enjoy! Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5888052/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32381560/
2022-06-0616 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE85: Challenging WiselyQuick episode today. I wanted to share an editorial that was recently published in Rheumatology, where I and co-authors (Shannon Tai and Natalie Anumolu) discuss lessons from recent trials in AAV and SLE.
Link to editorial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35438142/
2022-05-2307 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE84: The JAKapocalypse (AKA ORAL Surveillance)After some delay, I finally get around to discussing ORAL-Surveillance, a post-marketing safety study of tofacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis. It's an incredibly important trial that will likely affect how all of us practice for the foreseeable future. Link to paper:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2109927
2022-05-0912 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE83: Effectiveness of COVID-19 VaccinesAfter a winter hiatus, the podcast is back! Today I wanted to dive into a 'hotbutton' issue - the question of whether (or not) COVID-19 vaccines "work" for patients with rheumatic diseases. My answer is an emphatic "yes," albeit with a few caveats. Here are the papers I discuss:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(22)00034-0/fulltext
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441151/
2022-04-2519 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE82: LoVAS Trial for ANCA VasculitisHello again! Snappy episode this week about the exciting LoVAS trial, which compared a reduced dose steroid taper for ANCA vasculitis. Be sure to drop by my website at ebrheum.com to subscribe to my newsletter!
2021-11-0515 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE81: Vasculitis Guidelines E7: Takayasu Arteritis with Dr. Andy AbrilIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Andy Abril, Chair at the Division of Rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. Dr. Abril is one of the lead authors for the 2021 ACR Guidelines on Takayasu’s arteritis.
This project was done in partnership with the Vasculitis Foundation. To review the complete guidelines, visit
https://dev.vasculitisfoundation.org/2021-acr-vf-vasculitis-guidelines/ or vasculitisfoundation.org. You can find them on Twitter @vasculitisfound and I am @ebrheum. Thanks for listening!
2021-07-1221 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE80: Vasculitis Guidelines E6 - Polyarteritis Nodosa with Dr. Jason SpringerIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Jason Springer, Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Vasculitis Center, about the guidelines for PAN He is one of the lead authors for the ACR/VF Guidelines for Polyarteritis Nodosa.
This project was done in partnership with the Vasculitis Foundation. To review the complete guidelines, visit
https://dev.vasculitisfoundation.org/2021-acr-vf-vasculitis-guidelines/ or vasculitisfoundation.org. You can find them on Twitter @vasculitisfound and I am @ebrheum. Thanks for listening!
2021-07-1119 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE79: Vasculitis Guidelines E5 - GCA with Dr. Mehrdad MazOn today's episode I discuss GCA with Dr. Mehrdad Maz. He is the Division Director of the Kansas University Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Section and served on the Steering Core Committee of the ACR-VF Vasculitis Treatment Guidelines. We cover a lot of great topics!
This project was done in partnership with the Vasculitis Foundation. To review the complete guidelines, visit
https://dev.vasculitisfoundation.org/2021-acr-vf-vasculitis-guidelines/ or vasculitisfoundation.org. You can find them on Twitter @vasculitisfound and I am @ebrheum. Thanks for listening!
2021-07-1026 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE78: Vasculitis Guidelines #4 - EGPA with Dr. Phil SeoIn today's episode, I talk with Dr. Mehrdad Maz about the newly published guidelines for giant cell arteritis (GCA). Dr. Maz is the Division Director of the Kansas University Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Section. He serves on the Steering Core Committee of the ACR-VF Vasculitis Treatment Guidelines.
This project was done in partnership with the Vasculitis Foundation. To review the complete guidelines, visit
https://dev.vasculitisfoundation.org/2021-acr-vf-vasculitis-guidelines/ or vasculitisfoundation.org. You can find them on Twitter @vasculitisfound and I am @ebrheum. Thanks for listening!
2021-07-0919 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE77: Vasculitis Guidelines #3 - ANCA Vasculitis with Dr. Sharon ChungThe guidelines have finally arrived! I'm kicking off the series today with a conversation about the ANCA vasculitis guidelines. My guest is Dr. Sharon Chung, the director of the UCSF Vasculitis Clinic and the lead investigator on the ACR/Guideline committee. She provided a LOT of great insights; have a listen and let us know what you think!
This project was done in partnership with the Vasculitis Foundation. To review the complete guidelines, visit
https://dev.vasculitisfoundation.org/2021-acr-vf-vasculitis-guidelines/ or vasculitisfoundation.org. You can find them on Twitter @vasculitisfound and I am @ebrheum. Thanks for listening!
2021-07-0832 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE76: Voclosporin for SLE Nephritis: The AURORA RCTHopping in this week to round out my thoughts on ADVOCATE (avacopan in AAV) and covering the recently published AURORA trial for SLE nephritis. Back to the Vasculitis Guidelines Podcast after as soon as they are released!
2021-05-1215 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE75: Vasculitis Guidelines Episode 2: Overview with Sharon ChungIn this episode we'll be introducing the process by which the 2021 ACR/VF guidelines were produced. My guest is Dr. Sharon Chung. She's the director of the UCSF Vasculitis Clinic and the lead investigator on the guideline committee. Please follow along with future episodes - you can find me @ebrheum and the Vasculitis Foundation is at @vasculitisfound and their website vasculitisfoundation.org.
2021-04-2421 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE74: Vasculitis Guidelines Episode 1 - Joyce KullmanWelcome to the first episode of the Vasculitis Guidelines Podcast! In Episode 1, I interview Joyce Kullman, Executive Director of the Vasculitis Foundation, about collaborating with the ACR in updating these guidelines, and how patients with vasculitis will ultimately benefit from them. We discuss the complex process of updating these critical guidelines involve years of input from researchers, physicians, and patient themselves.
2021-04-0110 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE73: Introducing the Vasculitis Guidelines PodcastQuick update on a new series!
2021-03-3101 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE72: Avacopan for ANCA VasculitisSteroid free remission! Or is it? This week I discuss a really exciting trial in ANCA vasculitis.
2021-02-2517 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE71: MTX Discontinuation Post... Influenza VaccinationI stole some time to tackle a pressing issue for rheumatologists - to hold or not to hold immunosuppression in patients who are receiving a COVID19 vaccination. We obviously don't have any data on this, but I have always loved this study on influenza vaccination. PDFs at ebrheum.com/twts and follow me on twitter @ebrheum!
2021-01-2713 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE70: Rheum4Debate - HCQ Levels Should Be Monitored in Patients with SLEWe have a great show for you this week! Anisha Dua will be moderating a debate
between myself and Max Konig on this motion: "Hydroxychloroquine levels should be monitored in patients with SLE." I learned a ton and thoroughly enjoyed it. Be sure to vote on the post-debate twitter poll to decide the winner!
2020-11-1937 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE69: Publication Trends in SRMAs and RCTsThis week I cover another of my meta-research projects, this one on systematic review and meta analysis (SRMA) growth as compared to randomized clinical trial (RCT) growth. Short and to the point - hope you enjoy! I highly recommend checking out the associated graphs - just take a quick peek at some point while listening. Find them on my twitter handle @ebrheum
2020-10-2907 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE68: SELECT-CHOICE Upadacitinib vs Abatacept in RAActive comparator trial! Always my favorite. Lots of fun topics in this one, including noninferiority trials, crafty endpoints, and PROs. Check it out and let me know what you think! @ebrheum
2020-10-1513 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE67: Belimumab in Lupus Nephritis (BLISS-LN)Another day, another lupus trial, another round of endpoint shenanigans. Why does that matter? How big is the benefit from belimumab in SLE nephritis? Will this save lives and prevent ESRD / RRT? I try to tackle these issues this week and (hopefully) avoid getting myself in trouble. Hope you enjoy the episode! Let me know what you think @ebrheum on twitter!
2020-10-0115 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE66: MRI to Diagnose PMRGreat paper to discuss this week - one that may be too good to believe? I highly recommend checking out the pdf first (ebrheum.com/twts) - their graphics are wonderful and do a great job of conveying their message. Also, check out the "2-5-10" rule that I referenced! This is required reading for anyone who rotates with me - easily one of the most useful EBM papers I have ever read.
2020-09-1014 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE65: Anifrolumab in SLE - A ReplyQuick podcast this week that expands on issues I discuss in Episode 55. Go back and listen to that one first if you have time! I think this is an important issue and it's one I'd like to highlight. Let me know what you think @ebrheum and please share with friends!
2020-09-0306 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE64: Antirheumatic Disease Therapies: A Systematic Review and Meta AnalysisThis week I wanted to share a recent systematic review and meta analysis, which was published by myself and a group on behalf of the Global Rheumatology Alliance. I use this as an opportunity to close out a few issues and describe the current landscape. After this I'm planning to go back to good old rheumatology-based podcasts for a few months!
2020-08-2700 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE63: Housekeeping #3The podcast is back! I tune in briefly here to explain where I've been, what I'm doing, and where this will be headed. Feel free to skip right ahead if you'd rather just dig back in!
2020-08-2703 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE62: COVID19 Series - Hydroxychloroquine #3Back this week to update you on the data for hydroxychlorquine. There has been a lot of action - and very little resolution - to this issue since my last episode. Let me know what you think, follow along on twitter @ebrheum and get the papers themselves at ebrheum.com.
2020-04-1400 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE61: COVID19 Series - IL6 #1Diving into a new "rheum treatments for COVID" topic today - IL6 inhibition. It took me awhile to get to this, in part because the hydroxychloroquine situation has been something to behold and in part because there's just nothing to say. I cover two case series here, neither of which are strong evidence. Hope you enjoy! Follow me @ebrheum to let me know what you think!
2020-04-0200 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE60: COVID19 Series - Hydroxychloroquine #2Trying to get to IL6, but so much happening in the world of hydroxychloroquine. As I said at the beginning, things are likely to move fast. I'm planning to make this as an extended series, so please go back and listen to #1 before you listen to this! This episode will round out the paper by Gautret et al. and discuss the best copy of a paper by Jun et al. that I've been able to find. Follow me @ebrheum and share with friends!
2020-03-2600 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE59: COVID19 Series - Hydroxychloroquine v1Welcome to the first episode of my series on immunosuppressive treatments for COVID-19. Today I cover the Renault trial and a nice systematic review, which I believe are the two best options in the published literature to date. Find the papers and ways to subscribe at ebrheum.com and follow me on twitter @ebrheum
2020-03-2000 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE58: Brief Update - Podcasting in the Era of COVID-19Quick update podcast. I'm planning to tweak the format of my podcast to better respond to COVID-19. I'll be doing more or less the same thing but with a different structure and focus. It seems a little peculiar to discuss anything else during the current crisis, so I intend to refocus and hope to offer value to listeners. Share with friends - ebrheum.com and @ebrheum
2020-03-1900 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE57: PEXIVAS Trial - PLEX and Reduced Steroid in ANCA VasculitisPEXIVAS has landed! This week I go over the trial and my take on it's results. Impressive undertaking that answered two questions for a subset of patients with AAV - well worth the time to kick back and read the trial in full. Let me know what you think about the podcast @ebrheum!
2020-02-2015 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE56: Continue or Withdraw Prednisone in SLE (CORTICOLUP)(Yet) another RCT this week! Nice investigator initiated trial with many wonderful strengths and a few crippling flaws. Great opportunity to think about a common problem in practice as well as a separate common problem in trials!
2020-02-0610 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE55: Anifrolumab for SLE (TULIP 1&2)This week I talk about the recently published TULIP 1 and TULIP 2 trials that assessed anifrolumab for active SLE. Great to see a new drug in this disease state; interesting to think through how these trials played out. Get the papers and the pod at ebrheum.com and follow me @ebrheum if you'd like to share feedback!
2020-01-2317 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE54: Rheum4Debate - Triple Tx is 1st Line in RA w/No Response to MTXHappy New Year! This week Dr. Anisha Dua (@anisha_dua) and Dr. Sarah Fantus (@sarahfantus) debate this motion: "In MTX non-responders with RA, triple therapy (adding HCQ & SSZ) should be first line." Please be sure to VOTE AGAIN on twitter (@ebrheum) after you have listened!
2020-01-1617 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE53: Another Look at Nintedanib for SSc-ILDThis week I go back to a topic from episode 42, the SENSCIS trial and nintedanib for SSc-ILD. The way this medication has been received and a recent article I wrote for The Rheumatologist gave me a nice jumping off point to cover a few more issues from this. Be sure to follow me @EBRheum to let me know what you think! The corresponding article is available here: https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/fda-approves-nintedanib-for-ssc-ild-but-temper-your-expectations/
2019-12-1914 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE52: HOPE RCT - Prednisone for OA of the HandSurprising RCT this week discussing the HOPE trial, which pitted 10mg prednisone against placebo for inflammatory hand OA. I do think this will change my practice, but in a far narrower sense than the headline would suggest. Check it out and find all my other content at ebrheum.com!
2019-12-0409 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE51: Rheum4Debate - "Start TCZ Upfront in GCA"Rheum4Debate is back! This week we have Dr. Anisha Dua arguing in support of the motion, "Patients with newly diagnosed GCA should start glucocorticoids WITH tocilizumab over glucocorticoids alone." I argue against the motion and Dr. Sarah Fantus was kind enough to moderate.
In our pre-debate poll, 51% supported the motion, 34% disagree with the motion, and 15% were undecided. Please be sure to vote in the post-debate motion on twitter as well! Find me @ebrheum, Dr. Dua @anisha_dua, and Dr. Fantus @sarahfantus.
2019-11-2618 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE50: Housekeeping 2Super brief "checking in" podcast this week. In short, say "hi" at ACR, write me a review on apple podcasts, send this to a friend, and keep listening :).
2019-10-2403 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE49: IL17i vs. TNFi for Psoriatic Arthritis (SPIRIT-H2H)Today I dive into the emerging therapies for psoriatic arthritis, focusing on the IL17i ixekizumab and the recently published SPIRIT-H2H trial. It's a great combination of my favorite thing in RCTs (head to head trials) and my least favorite thing in RCTs (RCTs that were designed in such a way that they don't answer the question I want to know).
2019-10-1710 min
Utility + Function5. Michael Vassar - Does Michael Vassar Dream of Electric Sheep?Michael Vassar, founder of the Singularity Institute among many other accomplishments, speaks to Matthew about Thomas Edison, Climate Change, Railroads, President Lincoln, Modern Times, Alien Invasion, and searches for a happy ending. Thank you for listening!
2019-10-1649 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE48: ADACTA - Tocilizumab or Adalimumab in MTX Intolerant Patients with RAThis week I revisit an old paper - the 2013 ADACTA trial that assessed tocilizumab and adalimumab for patients who cannot take or were intolerant of MTX.
2019-10-0309 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE47: HCQ Blood Levels and HCQ RetinopathyThis week I decided to discuss the question of HCQ and retinal toxicity. It has been controversial the past few years and we're all trying to get a handle on how to approach this. The Hopkins SLE group released this fascinating study on a large group of patients who had blood levels tracked. Worth a read and (hopefully) a listen!
2019-09-2612 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE46: Rituximab in LupusFinally got around to tackling rituximab in SLE. This is a tough topic: lots of people feel passionately one way or another, flawed observational data supports its use, flawed RCTs did not find significant benefit, and patients are left in the lurch. I tried my best and came away more confident than ever that there's no clear answer. I hope you enjoy; please send me feedback on twitter @ebrheum!
2019-09-1522 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE45: TNF or TCZ or ABA or RTX: Real World Data for RAThis week I tackle an interesting cohort study that Jack Cush (@RheumNow) mentioned in his podcast. It's a nice opportunity to discuss bDMARDs in the "real world" (AKA Sweden). Follow me @ebrheum and let me know what you think of the episode!
2019-08-2914 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE44: SELECT-COMPARE Upadacitinib (JAKi) for Rheumatoid ArthritisFinally got around to tackling the JAKi this week. I decided to focus on SELECT-COMPARE, which pitted upadacitinib (selective JAK1 inhibitor) against adalimumab and placebo. I briefly discuss other JAKs and my thoughts on the future of this area. Get the paper and others at ebrheum.com and follow me @ebrheum!
2019-08-1510 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE43: Tofacitinib for MDA5 Amyopathic Dermatomyositis ILDBack this week to discuss an interesting paper in the NEJM. Lots of interesting issues, most notably historical controls and their limitations. Find all my work at ebrheum.com!
2019-08-0812 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE42: SENSCIS - Nintedanib for Systemic Sclerosis ILDThis week I'll discuss an important paper in systemic sclerosis, the recent SENSCIS trial that compared 150mg nitedanib to placebo. I wind up coming down pretty hard on this drug; I think it's hype has vastly outpaced its utility. Get the paper itself at ebrheum.com and follow me on @ebrheum to give feedback!
2019-07-2516 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE41: Rheum4Debate "SLE Pts. on Cytoxan Should Receive Bactrim"Welcome back! This is the second episode of Rheum4Debate, an oxford-style debate show for the field of rheumatology. In this podcast we'll tackle the question of bactrim prophylaxis in patients receiving cyclophosphamide. The motion was:
“Bactrim prophylaxis should be prescribed to all patients with SLE who are receiving cytoxan and over 20mg of prednisone daily”
Dr. Pankti Reid (@panktireid) argued FOR the motion and Dr. Anisha Dua (@anisha_dua) argued AGAINST the motion.
PLEASE be sure to fill out the post debate poll and let us know what you think! You can find it on...
2019-07-1812 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE40: Rheum4Debate - "SCT is 1st Line Tx for SSc ILD"Exciting episode this week! This is the FIRST of a new podcast series entitled Rheum4Debate, an Oxford style debate show for the field of rheumatology. We are planning to release one episode a month; each have a moderator and one physician on each side of a controversial motion. Be sure to VOTE on whether you agree or disagree with the motion AFTER you have listened to the podcast! Get the episode at ebrheum.com!
2019-05-2318 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE39: MTX for GCA - 3 RCTs and a Case Control StudyThis week a nice case control study out of Mayo challenged my own bias against MTX in GCA. This prompted a deep dive into the literature, including 3 RCTs and meta analysis. At the end of the day, I'm more (almost) fully convinced that MTX offers a (mediocre) benefit.
Follow me on twitter (@ebrheum) to share your thoughts and find all of the PDFs at my Box on ebrheum.com.
2019-05-0923 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE38: Romosozumab for OsteoporosisThe FDA recently approved romosozumab for high risk post menopausal osteoporosis, but gave it a black box warning for cardiovascular disease. This week I'll cover the data that led to it's approval despite such dire warnings.
Get the papers themselves here and be sure to follow the podcast on twitter @ebrheum or sign up with your favorite podcast aggregator at ebrheum.com
2019-05-0216 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE37: TRACE-RA Atorvastatin for Primary Prevention of CVD in RAThis week I pair the recently published TRACE-RA trial assessing the efficacy of atorvastatin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. It offered a great opportunity to also go after the recent Nature publication "Scientists rise up against statistical significance," which has (inexplicably) gotten so much high praise.
Subscribe to the podcast / my twitter feed and find the papers at ebrheum.com!
2019-04-1818 min
The Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE36: Baricitinib for SLEThis week I discuss the phase 2 trial on baricitinib in SLE. Though it's early times (and the total flop of rituxan in ME/CFS recently can attest to this), this was a large phase 2 and I'm hopeful it carries through to the ongoing phase 3 trials. Follow me on twitter and find all the papers / links at my new landing page, ebrheum.com!
2019-04-0414 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE35: Tramadol Associated with All Cause Mortality#RheumJC week! I hope you all tuned into the online journal club #RheumJC, but if you did not I put up a podcast about the paper we discussed. Yet another epidemiological misadventure into unmeasured confounding and in this case confounding by indication. Take home... maybe consider not using Tramadol, as you already should have not been doing?
Article I reference in the podcast: https://emcrit.org/toxhound/tramadont/
All the papers! https://tinyurl.com/yyll5qof
Follow me @EBRheum.
2019-03-2913 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE34: Leggo my Eggo! Eggs, Cholesterol, CVD, MortalityIn this week's episode I depart briefly from discussing papers in the rheumatology literature to dive headfirst into the recent controversy over eggs and cardiovascular disease. Our patients eat eggs too, so I figured it would still be applicable. Please join the conversation @EBRheum! Find all the papers here: https://tinyurl.com/yyll5qof
2019-03-2122 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE33: FDG-PET for GCAThis week I'll tackle an interesting topic in giant cell vasculitis - the utility of FDG PET. This was a good paper but one that I used to discuss important concepts, including negative predictive value and pretest probability. Hope you enjoy! Please give feedback @EBRheum! Find all the papers here: https://tinyurl.com/yyll5qof
2019-03-1516 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE32: TaSER and ARCTIC: U/S to Guide Treatment in Inflammatory ArthritisFinally addressing this ultrasound business. I decided to cover two somewhat similar trials, which seem to come to the same conclusions regarding U/S and treat to target strategies. However, the question addressed was narrow and the role of ultrasound remains to be determined. Get this paper (and all the others) here: https://tinyurl.com/yyll5qof
2019-03-0714 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE31: SEAM and MIPA Trials: MTX vs. ETN for Psoriatic ArthritisThis week we tackle two RCTs and try to figure out what to do with etanercept, methotrexate, and placebo (or the lack thereof). Good opportunity for jumping into more PsA trials in the near future - lots of IL-somethings to talk about! Remember to follow the podcast @EBRheum to give feedback and for updates!
2019-02-2813 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE30: The Quality of RCTs in the Rheum LiteratureWe're back! This week I discuss work I did for the rheumatology winter clinical symposium on the quality of RCTs in the rheumatologic literature. Be sure to follow the twitter handle for a descriptive slide and to weigh in on the podcast! @ebrheum
2019-02-2110 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE29: CIRT and CANTOS - Immunotherapy for Cardiovascular DiseaseDouble episode this week and then I'll be taking the holidays off. I decided to combine two trials of immunotherapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, the CANTOS trial (canakinumab vs. placebo) and the CIRT trial (methotrexate vs. placebo). It was a good opportunity to debunk both therapies and take a few pot shots at observational trials, "bioplausibility," and surrogate endpoints. Both papers are available on my box account here.
2018-11-2119 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE28: Nurse Run Treat to Target vs. Usual Care? in GoutInteresting trial this week pitting an elaborate nurse led group against suboptimal usual care. Suboptimal usual care lost pretty badly, but what to make of this? And does it support the rheumatologist side of the treat to target controversy? Listen to find out and be sure to follow on @EBRheum if you have your own thoughts!
2018-11-1215 min
The Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE27: Opioids vs. Non-opioids for OA Pain: The SPACE RCTGreat article that (kind of) proves something a lot of us already believed; non-opioids management of chronic pain is preferable to opioid management. Lots of caveats, there, as this was a pragmatic trial (literally) with a number of interesting limitations. Follow me @EBRheum to give feedback and go here to get all of the papers!
2018-11-0516 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE26: Housekeeping 1Every 25 episodes I'd like to step back and touch base about where the podcast is headed. Thanks to everyone who has been listening! Apologies for nothing exciting or useful this week.
2018-10-2803 minThe Evidence Based Rheumatology PodcastE25: MAINRITSAN 2 - Fixed vs. Tailored Rituxan for AAVInteresting trial this week evaluating a fixed schedule of rituximab vs. a tailored approach to therapy. See you all at ACR this week!
2018-10-1511 min