The complex world of inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. Panel Discussion AProf. Frederick Joshua, Prof. Sam Adie, Dr Mustafa Alttahir - Primary Care Masterclass Podcast
General Practice Clinical Sessions Podcast · ArmchairMedical.tv/podcasts
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (podcasts.captivate.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Panel Discussion with Associate Professor Frederick Joshua, Professor Sam Adie and Dr Mustafa Alttahir.
In this episode, we welcome Associate Professor Samir Viswanathan to moderate a panel discussion with experts Associate Professor Frederick Joshua, Professor Sam Adie and Dr Mustafa Alttahir on the complex world of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. The conversation begins with an exploration of diagnostic markers and the role they play in primary care, revealing that while 70-80% of rheumatoid arthritis patients present with biological markers, the diagnostics become murkier with conditions like psoriatic arthritis. The discussion sheds light on the limitations of blood tests and emphasizes that understanding patient history is equally critical in forming a diagnosis.
We then shift gears to discuss the management of treatment protocols for patients undergoing surgery while on DMARDs and biological agents. The experts share their insights on how and when to halt these medications pre-operatively, underscoring the general guideline of stopping conventional drugs like methotrexate a week before surgery, while biological drugs may require a longer cessation period. The discussion balances medical protocols with practical implications, noting that surgical infection rates are low, allowing for a more seamless transition to restarting medications post-operation.
Addressing pain management strategies, the panel engages in a candid dialogue about the analgesic ladder for arthritis-related pain and the rising concerns about opioid usage. The conversation challenges the prevailing negative perception of anti-inflammatories, countering the fear that they may adversely affect kidney function. The expert panelists argue for rational use of anti-inflammatories, advocating for them as viable alternatives to opioids, especially given recent findings highlighting their efficacy. This discussion culminates in upcoming research aimed at exploring opioid-sparing strategies for pain relief in hospital settings.
As the conversation progresses, the importance of patient-reported outcomes is emphasized, especially when it comes to managing vague symptoms and the potential anxiety that positive autoimmune markers can instigate. The panelists highlight the necessity for shared decision-making and individualized monitoring, advising that patients with mild symptoms may not require immediate referral, while those exhibiting discernible dysfunction or systemic complications should be prioritized for specialized care.
The dialogue inevitably leads to specific queries regarding steroid injections in various joints and the criteria for their administration. With a statistic of one in 400 for infection risk, the panel reassures listeners of the relative safety of knee injections compared to surgical options, outlining circumstances under which to consider such treatments. This part of the discussion highlights practical guidance for physicians on managing patient expectations and the nuances involved in guiding treatment options based on observed joint conditions and patient history.
This session not only sheds light on the intricacies and evolving landscape of treating arthritis and related autoimmune conditions but also reinforces the importance of collaboration among medical experts to improve patient outcomes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access thousands of premium conference podcasts and 'full video' podcasts including synchronised PowerPoint slides at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts
General Practitioners: Earn your full year's worth of CPD including Educational Activities, Reviewing Performance and Measuring Outcomes CPD Hours.
Discover more at https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts
Press play. You’re at the conference.
In every episode of ArmchairMedical Conference Podcasts, we bring Australia’s leading medical conference education straight to your headphones.
No travel.
No full days away from clinic.
No disruption to your life.
Each episode features real conference lectures, captured live and carefully curated into short, practical, evidence-based podcasts designed for busy general practitioners.
Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or moving through the gaps of your day, this is conference-quality learning that fits real GP life.
If you value staying at the leading edge of medicine, but don’t have the time to attend every conference, this is the smart way to do it.
🎧 Press play. You’re at the conference.
About ArmchairMedical Conference Podcasts
ArmchairMedical Conference Podcasts transform Australia’s best medical conferences into on-demand audio education for GPs. Learn from leading clinicians and experts, anytime and anywhere, in a format designed to work with - not against - your day.
Enjoying the episode?
⭐ Rate this episode
➕ Follow the podcast
💬 Share it with a colleague who’d value conference learning without the time away
Disclaimer: Content is for health professionals and general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for independent clinical judgement. Always consult current guidelines, product information and local protocols. Views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily ArmchairMedical. ArmchairMedical accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on the information provided.
Visit https://www.armchairmedical.tv/podcasts for more information.