Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

Frailty care in England deemed deficient

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:21:00 -0500

A December, 2025 report from England's National Audit Office (NAO) has exposed substantial deficits in care for people with frailty in the country. General practitioners (GPs) within England's National Health Service (NHS) are not providing the level of support needed by people living with frailty, says the report, which outlines a suite of recommendations aimed at a more consistent, community-focused and patient-centric approach to frailty in England.

The lack of a structured approach is also true in rheumatology, according to Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS. “Frailty is not yet assessed routinely among older adults with rheumatic conditions”, she explains, “due to an expanding, but still nascent evidence base in rheumatology and lack of consensus over which frailty tools to use in different rheumatic conditions and contexts.” In the USA, the federal Medicare program does not mandate frailty assessment or treatment, although a new regulatory measure requires Medicare-funded US hospitals to report on their frailty screening and intervention protocols or face substantial financial penalties.

Read the full article at thelancet.com.

Social Isolation a Common Theme Among Older People With SLE

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:06:00 -0400

Med Page Today reports that in a study published in ACR Open Rheumatology, 30 older adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a mean age of 71.3 years reported a sense of social isolation and a reluctance to burden loved ones -- realities that could justify an uptick in screening for isolation, investigators concluded.

First author Sarah Lieber, MD, MS, a rheumatologist at HSS, explained that screening for isolation could help improve care. Once this information is obtained, it is important for the clinician to be able to point to tangible resources. Resources may include local lupus support groups or an individualized referral to another member of the care team such as a social worker. It is also valuable to consider the extent to which social isolation reflects a response to lupus symptoms that can be addressed through further treatments.

Read the full article at medpagetoday.com.

HSS Presents New Research at the ACR Convergence 2024

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:30:00 -0500

At this year’s American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting, HSS presented exciting research related to rheumatology and orthopedics.

Research highlights include a study showing that online search trends can lead to more personalized rheumatic disease care, and blood changes in people at risk for rheumatoid arthritis, a study revealing that having rheumatoid arthritis was not a risk factor for needing a blood transfusion during or after total knee replacement, new discoveries in antiphospholipid syndrome, the effectiveness of avacopan for severe vasculitis, new insights on rheumatic diseases and reproductive health and a study that shows knee osteoarthritis causes more pain and inflammation in women.

New Study Signals How Online Search Trends Could Lead to More Personalized Rheumatic Disease Care

Physicians are learning how to better support the needs of people with rheumatoid arthritis from online search trends, according to a new study from researchers at HSS and colleagues at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons.

New Research Reveals Alterations in Blood of People at Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study by HSS and collaborating centers identified distinct immune cell patterns in the blood that signal an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis before symptoms occur.

Surprising Study Finds No Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Transfusion Risk After Knee Replacement

Having rheumatoid arthritis was not a risk factor for needing a blood transfusion during or after total knee replacement, according to a new study by HSS researchers.

New Antiphospholipid Syndrome Research Findings Presented at ACR Convergence 2024

Investigators from the Antiphospholipid Syndrome Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking (APS ACTION) presented new research findings in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These studies explore differences in clinical manifestations of APS in children versus adults, identify key risk factors for thrombosis in persistently antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients, and investigate the prevalence and implications of lupus-related autoantibodies in patients without lupus.

Study Shows Avacopan Effective for Most Serious Vasculitis Cases

New multicenter study by HSS and others by HSS shows avacopan is effective in achieving disease control with less steroid exposure in patients with ear, nose and throat manifestations of ANCA associated vasculitis.

HSS Presents Cutting-Edge Discoveries in Rheumatic Disease and Reproductive Health at ACR Convergence 2024

HSS presented a number of studies focused on reproductive health for patients with rheumatic diseases including factors influencing infant feeding, predicting pregnancy outcomes in lupus, and improving contraception screening for women on teratogenic medications in rheumatology.

Study Shows Knee Osteoarthritis Causes More Pain and Inflammation in Women

Women with knee osteoarthritis experience more pain and inflammation than men, according to a new study led by researchers at HSS and The Rockefeller University.

A Positive Outlook Is Key for a Healthier, Longer Life

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:19:47 -0500

Health Radar reports that a healthy lifestyle — a nutritious diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and such — can extend our life span. While there’s plenty of evidence to support this, there’s another critical factor that influences how we age and how long we live: a positive or negative outlook.

Many people with arthritis don’t get enough physical activity, which is known to alleviate symptoms. And a recent study of 99 men and women with arthritis helps to explain why. Those who have a more positive view of their health and aging are more likely to be physically active.

“A negative perception of the aging experience is correlated with lower self-reported physical activity levels in older adults with arthritis,” said lead study author Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS.

This article was published in the January 2024 print edition of Health Radar.

HSS Presents New Reproductive Health Research at the ACR Convergence 2023

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:05:00 -0500

At this year’s American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting, HSS presented a number of important studies focused on reproductive health for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatic diseases, including issues related to fertility, sexual function, use of contraception and HPV vaccination.

What follows are some highlights from the meeting:

Association of Menstrual Cycles and Disease Flare Activity in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this study, researchers surveyed female rheumatology patients to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects the timing of disease flares. More than 300 patients responded to the survey, and the analysis reported at the meeting included data from 122 respondents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — 49 with SLE and 73 with RA.

Overall, 39% reported an association between their menstrual cycle and disease flares, with similar rates in both the SLE and RA groups. Those who experienced these flares usually had them within the week before or during their periods. The investigators say these findings could inform physician counseling and that closer monitoring of patients during vulnerable phases of the menstrual cycle could enable more timely intervention and better disease control. Additional research is planned to assess whether demographics, lifestyle and medical conditions may influence this potential association.

Authors: Lucy Masto, BS; Amaya Smole, BA, Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Sanjana Adurty (Weill Cornell Medical College), Jonah M. Levine, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, Michael D. Lockshin, MD, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH.

Contraception Choices in Individuals with Inflammatory Arthritis and Lupus-like Disease Differ Based on Diagnosis and Teratogen Use
This study surveyed women of reproductive age with systemic rheumatic disease about their use of contraceptives. Certain drugs prescribed for rheumatic disease are teratogenic, or can damage a fetus. Data were collected on 249 women with reproductive capacity, including 147 with inflammatory arthritis and 102 with lupus-like disorders.

The 52 participants taking teratogenic medication were more likely to discuss contraception with their rheumatologist compared with those not taking teratogenic medication (44.2% vs. 21.8%), and more frequently reported using permanent contraception (8.0% vs. 1.1%). Those taking teratogenic medication were no more likely to use effective contraception than those who were not: 44.0% reported using less effective methods such as barrier methods and fertility awareness/withdrawal or using no contraception. Those with lupus were less likely to use more effective methods containing estrogen (31.5% vs. 14.7%), even though these methods are safe for some (but not all) lupus patients. The findings highlight the importance of using educational interventions to optimize safe and effective contraception use in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases, especially those taking teratogenic medications and those with lupus-like diseases.

Authors: Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH, Lucy Masto, BS, Amaya Smole, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Jonah M. Levine, BA, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS; Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH; Michael D. Lockshin, MD; Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated with HPV Vaccination in Young Adults with Rheumatic Disease
Although the HPV vaccine is known to be safe and effective in people with rheumatic disease (RD), many do not get vaccinated. This study used data from the electronic health record of patients diagnosed with a rheumatic disease in adolescence, seen at HSS, to look at factors associated with HPV vaccination. Overall, the investigators found that among 321 individuals with rheumatic disease between the ages of 16 and 22, half were not fully vaccinated against HPV (2 or more doses).

Those who were white and non-Hispanic/Latino and those who had commercial insurance were less likely to be fully vaccinated —factors that are associated with lower vaccination rates in the general population. Those who were unvaccinated were more likely to have inflammatory arthritis versus other connective tissue diseases. Those who were fully vaccinated were also more likely to have received flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Further research is needed to identify and mitigate barriers to HPV vaccination in this high-risk group.

Authors: Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Lauren Robinson, MD, Deanna Jannat-Khah, DrPH, Avi Mikhaylov, Nancy Pan, MD, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Educational Intervention to Increase Contraception Screening and Documentation for Reproductive-Aged Women Seen in an Academic Rheumatology Clinic

Only one-third of reproductive-aged women with rheumatic disease are prescribed effective contraception, despite the widespread use of teratogenic medications which can harm a fetus. This initiative aimed to increase the rate of provider screening and documentation of contraception use in the electronic health record for female rheumatology patients ages 18 to 45.

Interventions from the research team included educational presentations and motivating reminders for clinical staff. Over the 24-week study period, the rate of contraception documentation for these patients increased from 11% to 54%. Future phases of this initiative will focus on encouraging rheumatologists to provide contraceptive counseling and referrals to women’s health providers for patients taking teratogenic medications.

Authors: Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Deanna Jannat-Khah, DrPH, Avi Mikhaylov, Erika Abramson (Weill Cornell Medicine), Nancy Pan, MD; Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Experiences and Attitudes Related to Assisted Reproductive Technologies Among Women with Systemic Rheumatic Disease
Because systemic rheumatic diseases may be associated with decreased fertility in women, those with such diseases may pursue assisted reproductive technologies such as oocyte cryopreservation (OOC, or egg freezing). This study evaluated how sociodemographic factors and medical history influence OOC experiences and overall attitudes toward reproductive technologies among women with these conditions.

Among the 265 surveyed patients of reproductive age, 21 had done OOC (most before 35 years of age) and 102 had considered OOC. The factors that increased openness to OOC included having no previous pregnancies, having greater infertility concerns, lacking a spouse or partner, having a bachelor’s degree or higher, and having a history of taking certain immunosuppressive drugs. Among those who did not already have fertility issues, 64% reported that, if necessary, they would consider using these technologies only if their rheumatologist advised it was safe. The investigators say this study highlights the importance of studying the use of assisted reproductive technologies in women with systemic rheumatic diseases, and counseling patients regarding these options.

Authors: Sanjana Adurty (Weill Cornell Medical College), Lucy Masto, BS, Amaya Smole, BA, Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Jonah M. Levine, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, Michael D. Lockshin, MD, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

HPV Vaccination in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Seen in an Academic Rheumatology Center
This study looked at rates of HPV vaccination in adolescents and young adults living in New York State who had received care from a rheumatologist. The investigators reviewed data from the electronic health record, including vaccination information from a New York State database, for 534 HSS patients ages 16 to 22. Less than half of patients had been vaccinated for HPV. The study found that HPV vaccination was more common in people with a rheumatic disease diagnosis compared to those who did not have a rheumatic disease, but not after accounting for demographic variables and receipt of other elective vaccines. Additionally, those who had received flu and COVID-19 vaccines were more likely to have been vaccinated for HPV.

The overall low rate of HPV vaccination was concerning because young people with rheumatic diseases may be at increased risk for HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers due to immune dysregulation, immunosuppression, and gaps in preventive healthcare delivery. The researchers note that interventions are needed to improve HPV vaccination rates in this population and that targeting elective vaccine uptake in general may be a useful approach.

Authors: Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Lauren Robinson, MD, Deanna Jannat-Khah, DrPH, Avi Mikhaylov, Nancy Pan, MD, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Knowledge and Misconceptions about Contraception Among Individuals with Inflammatory Arthritis and Lupus-like Diseases
This study looked at what patients with systemic rheumatic disease know about the use of contraceptives, comparing the knowledge of women with inflammatory arthritis to those with lupus-like diseases. This analysis included female patients aged 18-49 years who were seen by a rheumatologist at HSS two or more times between 2020 and 2022, excluding those who reported menopause, oophorectomy, hysterectomy, or other causes of infertility.

The participants were surveyed about the effectiveness of various contraceptives and about misconceptions related to specific methods in the context of having a rheumatic disease. The researchers found that despite being highly educated (93.2% held a bachelor’s degree or higher), about half of all patients responded incorrectly to questions about the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods. Those with lupus-like diseases were more likely to report that certain hormone-based methods have contraindications, in response to both accurate and inaccurate statements. The researchers say the results reveal the need for better counseling of patients with systemic rheumatic disease.

Authors: Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH, Lucy Masto, BS, Amaya Smole, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Jonah M. Levine, BA, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, Michael D. Lockshin, MD, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Knowledge Related to Fertility and Infertility Treatments Among Women with Systemic Rheumatic Disease
Systemic rheumatic diseases can be associated with decreased fertility, but patients are not always aware of this connection. This study looked at patients’ understanding of these issues, taking into consideration the patient’s race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

In an interim analysis of 142 reproductive-aged women treated at HSS for rheumatic disease who completed the Fertility & Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS) test, the investigators found that — compared with women in the general population previously administered the FIT-KS — women with rheumatic diseases were more likely to be non-White, Hispanic/Latina and highly educated, and less likely to have had successful pregnancies. This population was more aware of the risks of infertility due to smoking, sexually transmitted infections and being underweight. These women also had a better understanding of success rates for vitro fertilization in older women but were less knowledgeable about the effectiveness of oocyte cryopreservation (OOC, or egg freezing). Future work will focus on highlighting important knowledge gaps among women with these diseases, particularly related to options for fertility preservation.

Authors: Sanjana Adurty (Weill Cornell Medical College); Lucy Masto, BS, Amaya Smole, BA, Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Jonah M. Levine, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, Michael D. Lockshin, MD, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD.

Reproductive History and HPV Vaccination Awareness Among Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Women with systemic rheumatic diseases, particularly those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may be more vulnerable to HPV infection and HPV-related cervical cancer, but HPV testing and vaccination rates are low in these patients. This study compared HPV vaccination status and awareness in female patients with SLE to female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The analysis included 295 participants with similar demographics; notably, those with SLE were slightly younger than those with RA. Both groups were similarly likely to be sexually active and had similar rates of having regular Pap smears; however, women with lupus were more likely to have persistent abnormal smears (13.3% vs. 1.7%). While not statistically significant, two women with lupus reported a cervical cancer diagnosis compared to none with rheumatoid arthritis. HPV vaccination rates were similar for the two groups, with 37% of 158 women eligible for the vaccine (including those made eligible given extended eligibility approved in 2019 for those aged ≤45 years if clinically appropriate) reporting having received full vaccination. Among the 79 women who had never received the vaccine yet were eligible, 90% reported that it had never been offered. These findings underscore the importance of increasing HPV vaccination rates and discussions about cervical cancer screening in women with SLE and RA.

Authors: Amaya Smole, BA, Lucy Masto, BS, Caroline H. Siegel, MD, MS, Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Sanjana Adurty (Weill Cornell Medical College), Jonah M. Levine, BA, Bessie Stamm, BA, Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, Michael D. Lockshin, MD, Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD, Medha Barbhaiya, MD, MPH.

Self-Reported Sexual Dysfunction and Perceptions of Rheumatologist Engagement on This Issue in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
This study looked at the prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc). HSS researchers developed the Sexual Function in SSc Questionnaire (SFSScQ) to anonymously survey patients on whether they had problems with their sexual function and, if so, whether they had ever discussed it with their rheumatologist. Participants who completed the SFSScQ were also asked to complete the already-established Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire.

More than half of those who completed both surveys (26 out of 41) reported that they had sexual problems. The researchers note that while the number of survey participants was small, age, sex, race, SSc subtype and time since SSc diagnosis did not appear to be predictors of sexual dysfunction. Importantly, although about half of participants agreed it was important to discuss problems of sexual function with their doctors, 64% of those who reported sexual problems had not done so.

Authors: Liza Morales, Robert F. Spiera, MD, Jessica K. Gordon, MD, Deanna Jannat-Khah, DrPH, Kimberly S. Lakin, MD, MS.

New Study Shows Perception of Aging is Linked to Level of Physical Activity in Arthritis Patients

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:05:00 -0500

People with arthritis who report more negative feelings about how they are aging tend to get less physical activity and perceive themselves as less healthy, according to a new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Weill Cornell Medicine. However, self-perception of good health explained the effect of negative thinking – providing an opportunity for clinicians to focus on a patient’s outlook on aging as well as their overall health.

“Physical activity is essential for older adults with arthritis, as it can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and maintain independence,” said Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, a rheumatologist at HSS and leader of the study. “However, many older adults with arthritis do not get recommended levels of physical activity. Our study suggests that self-perceptions of aging and general health may at least partly explain why.”

For clinicians, the new study could serve as a conversation starter with older patients, Dr. Lieber says. “I think this study and others like it can help doctors begin or continue a discussion with their patients about the factors that may challenge them to be physically active.”

Dr. Lieber and her colleagues presented their findings at the 2023 ACR Convergence meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held November 10 to 15 in San Diego.

The study enrolled 99 men and women 60 years of age and older with self-reported arthritis in New York and Florida. Survey participants were asked to respond to questions about comorbid conditions.

Participants also were asked about their weekly levels of physical activity and completed a validated 10-item questionnaire about how they felt about their aging process. Questions on the survey explored both positive aspects (gains) associated with aging, as well as negative aspects (losses), covering topics such as motivation, limitations to daily activities, and a sense of physical energy.

Dr. Lieber and colleagues found that the amount of physical activity people reported was strongly associated with their self-perception of general health, the amount of social support they had, and their feeling that aging was negatively affecting them (P <0.01 for all). However, the strength of the relationship between negative self-perceptions of aging and physical activity was weaker when self-perceptions of general health were taken into consideration.

As a rheumatologist whose patients already may be less likely than others to be getting the recommended amount of physical activity, Dr. Lieber says anything that can encourage exercise is welcome. “Everyone benefits from activity, but people with rheumatic conditions benefit particularly,” she says.

“Our findings suggest that interventions to improve physical activity in patients with arthritis may need to target self-perceptions of aging, as well as general health,” Dr. Lieber says. “For example, interventions could help older adults to challenge negative feelings about aging and to develop more positive views of their own aging process. Interventions also could help older adults to identify and address factors that are affecting their general health, such as chronic pain or fatigue.”

Self-Perceptions of Aging and Physical Activity in Older Adults with Arthritis: Does General Health Matter? Authors: Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, Jerad Moxley (Weill Cornell Medicine), Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, M. Carrington Reid (Weill Cornell Medicine), Sara Czaja (Weill Cornell Medicine).

What’s the Prognosis for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 09:52:00 -0400

Health Central reports on how to manage psoriatic arthritis (PsA) according to experts including Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impact practically every part of your body. With psoriatic arthritis, you may experience peripheral arthritis, skin disease, spine disease, enthesitis, dactylitis, nail disease, as well as other comorbidities such as eye disease and anxiety. But recent treatment advances have improved outcomes for those with this disease and lifestyle modifications are helping people with PsA stay active longer.

Frailty can be another outcome of untreated psoriatic arthritis, per an American College of Rheumatology study. “The prevalence of frailty in older adults with psoriatic arthritis was higher than the prevalence found in older adults in the general population in prior studies,” said Dr. Lieber, who was a co-author on the study.

The frailty in people with PsA was compounded by issues such as comorbid conditions and falls, said Dr. Lieber, who also found that other PsA-related symptoms seemed to multiply when frailty was not addressed. For instance, “we found that anxiety was more common among adults with psoriatic arthritis who were frail than those who were not frail,” Dr. Liber explained.

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.

Menopause or arthritis?

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:33:16 -0400

The Arthritis Connection reports on going through menopause with rheumatoid arthritis in an interview with Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, rheumatologist at HSS.

Menopause and arthritis can cause similar symptoms including fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, bone loss, and sleep problems. It's not always easy to figure out the cause of these symptoms, but all can be helped by certain lifestyle changes.

Aerobic exercise and strength training are keys to relieving arthritis pain, improving mobility, managing weight, easing depression and anxiety, and preventing bone loss which accelerates with menopause.

“Both rheumatoid arthritis and menopause are associated with higher risk of bone loss,” said Dr. Lieber. It may be helpful to speak with your medical team to ensure that you are up-to-date on bone density screening and to review strategies for integrating physical activity into your lifestyle."

The article appeared in the May 2023 issue of the magazine.

Frailty Affects Nearly Half of Older Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis or Psoriatic Arthritis

Fri, 13 May 2022 15:53:00 -0400

MedPage Today interviews HSS rheumatologist Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, about her study published in ACR Open Rheumatology finding that frailty had an impact on the lives of almost half of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older who had ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This was higher than the prevalence of frailty in younger groups; the condition was linked to higher levels of anxiety in both age groups.

According to Dr. Lieber, “Frailty is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for adverse health outcomes in multiple rheumatic conditions, including RA. We were interested in evaluating the prevalence of frailty in adults with AS and PsA relative to adults with RA.”

She continued, “We also were interested in assessing whether other clinically relevant factors, such as anxiety, were more common among frail adults compared to non-frail adults with any of these forms of inflammatory arthritis.”

Dr. Lieber explained, “Mental health, including anxiety, is important to consider in adults with inflammatory arthritis. To our knowledge, the higher prevalence of anxiety among frail versus non-frail patients with inflammatory arthritis other than RA has not been previously observed. The prevalence of anxiety in frail enrollees in this study, particularly among those younger than age 65, exceeded the prevalence of anxiety previously reported among Medicare enrollees.”

She added, “The association between frailty and anxiety in patients with inflammatory arthritis needs to be explored further. Whether or not the presence of mental health comorbidity may accelerate the development of frailty is unknown.”

Read the full article at Medpagetoday.com.

The Pneumonia Vaccine and Inflammatory Arthritis: What Patients Need to Know

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 10:37:00 -0400

CreakyJoints discusses what patients with inflammatory arthritis should know when getting the pneumonia vaccine, according to experts including HSS rheumatologist Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS.

Pneumococcal vaccines are designed to reduce the risk of infection from Streptococcus pneumoniae, explained Dr. Lieber. Pneumococcal vaccines are inactivated (non-live) and generally considered safe for people with inflammatory arthritis who are on immunosuppressive medications. “People with inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to be able to develop protective antibodies after pneumococcal vaccination,” said Dr. Lieber. “However, since some immunosuppressive medications may be associated with dampened immune response to vaccines, your doctor may consider the timing of pneumococcal vaccination relative to your immunosuppressive regimen to maximize immune response," she added.

Read the full article at Creakyjoints.org.