Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

Sjogren’s Disease and ILD

In this concise and clinically insightful discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, breaks down what to look for when suspecting Sjögren’s syndrome—an autoimmune condition marked by chronic dry eye and dry mouth, fatigue, and systemic manifestations. Often associated with SSA and SSB antibodies, Sjögren’s can overlap with interstitial lung disease (ILD), making it especially important for pulmonary and rheumatology providers to recognize early. Learn how to distinguish classic symptoms from environmental causes, when to consider antibody testing, and which patients may be at higher risk for more severe complications like ILD. What you’ll learn: – Clinical clues for identifying Sjögren’s in practice – Role of SSA and SSB antibodies in diagnosis – Recognizing extra-glandular manifestations: fatigue, arthritis, rashes – When to suspect ILD in Sjögren’s patients – Medication options and early steroid use considerations Whether you’re in primary care, pulmonology, or rheumatology, this video equips you to ask the right questions and understand the systemic risks behind what may appear to be “just dry mouth.”

Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

This webcast presents a case-based discussion on recognizing and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world patient scenarios, Wendy Simmons, PA-C, DFAAPA and Christine Anderson, NP-C highlight key risk factors such as seropositivity, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early detection using pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, identification of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and early referral for transplant evaluation and supportive care is reinforced to help preserve lung function and improve patient outcomes.

IPF & PPF: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Management

In this educational session, Corinne Young breaks down the underlying mechanisms, progression, and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The discussion covers common genetic and environmental risk factors—including family history, smoking, and occupational exposures—and explains how chronic inflammation leads to fibrosis and loss of lung elasticity. Listeners gain a clear understanding of how progressive pulmonary fibrosis is identified through lung function tests (FVC, DLCO) and imaging changes over time. The presentation also addresses treatment strategies, highlighting when corticosteroids may be appropriate, why long-term steroid use is limited, and how newer antifibrotic and immunomodulatory therapies are improving outcomes for patients with fibrotic lung disease.

Antifibrotic Therapy

In this session, Corinne Young reviews the evolution of antifibrotic therapies for interstitial lung disease, beginning with the 2015 U.S. approval of pirfenidone (Esbriet) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pirfenidone works by targeting TGF-β and TNF-α to slow fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, though patients often experience gastrointestinal side effects and fatigue. The discussion also covers nintedanib (Ofev), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks multiple growth factor pathways (VEGF, FGF, PDGF) and is now approved for both IPF and other progressive fibrotic lung diseases. Clinical trials such as CAPACITY, ASCEND, INPULSIS, and INBUILD demonstrated that these antifibrotics significantly slow the rate of lung function decline and disease progression. The talk concludes by emphasizing careful side-effect management, liver monitoring, and appropriate patient selection to optimize outcomes with these cornerstone antifibrotic therapies.

Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma Presentation

In this quick but focused clinical overview, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, explains how to identify and differentiate limited systemic sclerosis (also known as CREST syndrome) from diffuse scleroderma. Associated with centromere antibodies, limited scleroderma primarily affects the distal extremities and face, and while skin involvement is less severe, patients face distinct long-term risks—especially pulmonary hypertension. This video breaks down the classic CREST acronym (Calcinosis, Raynaud’s, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasias), along with practical tips for early recognition and long-term management. What you'll learn: – How to recognize clinical features of limited scleroderma – The role of centromere antibodies vs. SCL-70 in diagnosis – Early signs like Raynaud’s and esophageal symptoms – What to monitor for in years 5–10: pulmonary hypertension, vascular disease – Differentiating CREST from diffuse disease This is an essential update for APPs and clinicians managing autoimmune connective tissue disease, especially in patients with progressive symptoms involving the skin, GI tract, and lungs.

Rheum-Pulm ILD Preceptorship: Case Based Insights With Academic Experts Bootcamp

Systemic Sclerosis Presentation

In this powerful and personal clinical reflection, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, shares her journey treating patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma), including key lessons learned from working at a major Scleroderma center at Northwestern. From building trust with colleagues to managing life-threatening complications like Scleroderma Renal Crisis, this video offers invaluable insights for APPs and clinicians navigating this complex autoimmune disease. You’ll hear firsthand experiences treating patients with severe skin involvement, pulmonary fibrosis, digital ulcers, GI complications, and early vasculopathy. Learn why RNA polymerase III positivity is a red flag, how to differentiate diffuse from limited SSc, and why early diagnosis and treatment are essential. What you’ll learn: – What distinguishes diffuse Scleroderma from limited forms – Clinical signs to recognize early: Raynaud’s, skin tightening, telangiectasia – The dangers of steroid use and Scleroderma Renal Crisis – Why collaboration and early referral to SSc centers can save lives – Real stories and clinical pearls from treating high-risk patients This is a must-watch for any clinician managing autoimmune diseases—especially those treating interstitial lung disease, GI complications, or vasculitis related to Scleroderma.

Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

This webcast features a case-based discussion on recognizing and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through practical clinical scenarios, Iris Zink, MSN, ANP-BC, APRN and Heather Bachert, MSN, ANP-BC highlight key risk factors such as high serologic markers, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early detection using pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, identification of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, early referral for transplant evaluation, and supportive interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation is reinforced to help preserve lung function and improve patient outcomes.

Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

This webcast offers a case-based exploration of identifying and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world patient scenarios, clinicians Lori Reed, NP and Audrey Gibson, PA-C highlight key risk factors such as high serologic titers, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important clinical findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The discussion emphasizes early detection using pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, recognition of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The session also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and comprehensive patient care to help slow disease progression and improve outcomes.

Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

This webcast provides a case-based discussion on recognizing and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world patient scenarios, Robert Laugherty, PA-C and Erica Ludtke, NP highlight key risk factors such as high serologic titers, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early screening with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, identification of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The importance of close collaboration between rheumatology and pulmonology, early intervention, and proactive monitoring is reinforced to help slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.