BREAKTHROUGHS IN RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY
2023: A YEAR IN REVIEW​

Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology is committed to compassionate patient care, exceptional education and advancements in research. Check out some of the top achievements and breakthroughs by the Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology team over the past year.

RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH

Tissue-Resident Extravascular Ly6c-Monocytes Are Critical for Inflammation in the Synovium
In a study published in Cell Reports, Northwestern Medicine rheumatologists Arthur M. Mandelin, MD, PhD, and Harris R. Perlman, PhD, describe a novel cell type in the joint that they propose contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Understanding the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Despite a prevalence of over 50% among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), neuropsychiatric symptoms of SLE (NP-SLE), including anxiety and movement disorders, have not been well understood. The paucity of data examining underlying mechanisms is what spurred the work of Carla M. Cuda, PhD, Solovy/Arthritis Research Society Research Professor at Northwestern Medicine, pointing to microglia as a driver of disease. Listen to the podcast>>
Novel Techniques Offer Insight on Sex Differences in Pain in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this Better Edge podcast episode, Yvonne C. Lee, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology, explores pain mechanisms in RA.

​CLINICAL UPDATES AND ADVANCES

Advancing Personalized Medicine: Ultrasound-Guided Synovial Biopsy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Arthur M. Mandelin, MD, PhD, associate professor of Rheumatology at Northwestern Medicine, performs an ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy on a patient with RA who has reached an inflection point on her current treatment plan and is looking to switch medications. 
Ultrasound-Guided Synovial Biopsy: Precision Medicine Meets Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Harris R. Perlman, PhD, chief of Rheumatology at Northwestern Medicine and principal investigator of the REASON (Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissue Network) study, discusses how ultrasound-guided synovial biopsies performed for REASON are identifying patient responsiveness to therapies and shaping the future of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Joint Pain and Confusion Leads to Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Diagnosis
Anisha B. Dua, MD, MPH, presents a case report about a 58-year-old male patient who sought treatment at a Northwestern Medicine emergency department after a week of joint pain and confusion.
8 Multidisciplinary Clinics to Treat Complex Rheumatic Diseases
Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology has established eight multidisciplinary disease-specific clinics and programs to provide comprehensive, coordinated care and improve outcomes for patients with these conditions.

AWARDS, HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS​

Congratulations to the following faculty for their recent honors in recognition of their contributions to the field of rheumatology
​ Irene Blanco, MD, MS
American College of Rheumatology Change Maker
 
Yvonne C. Lee, MD
2022 NIAMS supplements to Advance Research (STAR) Award
 
Richard M. Pope, MD
Arthritis Foundation Rowland W. Chang MD, MPH, Award of Excellence
Women Leaders and Innovators in Rheumatology
We are spotlighting women rheumatologists who have shaped Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology and are transforming the field.

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