Artificial Intelligence and Novel Indications for Hypoglycemic Agents Among Hot Topics for Rheumatology Clinicians

Practical applications for artificial intelligence (AI) and novel indications for hypoglycemic agents in rheumatic diseases are among the featured topics in the ACR Convergence 2024 clinical science program.

“Our team works really hard to bring the latest and greatest in rheumatology to ACR Convergence to ensure attendees are excited about the content,” said Tracy Frech, MD, MS, Chair of the Clinical Science Team for the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC) and a rheumatologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, Harnessing the Power of AI in Rheumatology Without Getting Burned will begin at 9:30 a.m. ET in Ballroom A.

“This year, we’re going to delve more into the intersection of AI and rheumatology and its transformative potential for diagnosis, treatment, and management,” Dr. Frech explained.

The session will provide a comprehensive overview of multiple AI applications to illustrate the technology’s potentially revolutionary impact on rheumatology.

Novel Indications for Hypoglycemic Agents in Rheumatic Diseases: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. in Ballroom B. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are widely used to treat type II diabetes and induce weight loss. Recent results have also indicated that these agents can decrease cardiovascular disease and prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease. Additionally, session presenters will discuss evidence of the efficacy of GLP-1 and potential analgesic effects affecting the central nervous system in a way that may be relevant to the treatment of arthritis.

“These drugs are gaining interest in rheumatic disease management because of their effects on the heart and kidney, and there is interest in how we should be using these drugs to treat rheumatic diseases,” Dr. Frech said. “This session features a lineup of excellent speakers to summarize the potential risks and benefits of these therapies and how we as rheumatologists should be using them concurrently with our immunosuppression.”

Two essential learning series in the ACR Convergence Clinical Science program are the Meet the Panel sessions and the return of Meet the Professor sessions, which are back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions cover wide-ranging clinical topics, including best practices for multidisciplinary clinics, guidelines for diversity in clinical trial enrollment, reproductive health, and more.

“The Meet the Panel series offers more opportunities for the audience to interact with the experts on-stage and ask questions that are especially relevant to their clinics,” Dr. Frech explained.

This year’s clinical science lineup also features a Great Debate session on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3:30 p.m. in Hall D/E entitled MCTD: Is It Just Letters? Presenters will discuss whether mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) should be classified as a unique disease or an overlap between other rheumatic diseases. As part of this discussion, presenters will also examine the clinical significance of MCTD and anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies.

Dr. Frech also highlighted an increased focus on crystalline arthritis across multiple sessions in this year’s curriculum.

“We are excited to explore topics such as the changing landscape of crystalline arthritis, serial use of advanced imaging, and upcoming approaches to synovial fluid analysis,” she said.

Sessions analyzing crystalline arthritis include:

• Meet the Professor: Crystalline Arthritis, Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 149AB 
• Of Kings and Men: Education and Remission in Gout, Monday, Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m., Ballroom A
• Not So Crystal Clear: The Changing Landscape of Crystalline Arthritis Diagnosis, Monday, Nov. 18, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Room 103AB