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

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

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.

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

This webcast provides a practical, case-based look at identifying and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with autoimmune conditions, with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world scenarios, expert clinicians, Betsy Kirchner, DNP and Jessica Glennie, MSN, APRN highlight key risk factors, early warning signs like exertional dyspnea and inspiratory crackles, and the importance of timely screening with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging. The discussion emphasizes collaborative care between rheumatology and pulmonology, outlining treatment strategies that balance immunosuppression and antifibrotic therapy to slow disease progression. Attendees will gain actionable insights on early detection, multidisciplinary management, and optimizing patient outcomes in ILD.

What Can Pulmonology APPs Do Once They've Established an ILD Diagnosis to Aid in Potential Rheumatology Workups?

Once you've confirmed a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), what’s next? In this practical and fast-paced discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, shares actionable steps for evaluating patients for underlying autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. Learn what symptoms to ask about—joint pain, morning stiffness, skin lesions, Raynaud’s, dry eyes or mouth—and how labs and rheumatology collaboration can support early detection and accurate diagnosis. This video offers clinical pearls for APPs working in pulmonology who want to strengthen their diagnostic acumen and build better cross-specialty communication with rheumatology colleagues. Topics covered: – What symptoms may signal underlying rheumatic disease in ILD patients – Key lab tests to guide your differential – When to refer to rheumatology – The value of real-time collaboration across specialties ILD care is better together. Watch now to improve your approach to autoimmune workups in pulmonary patients.

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.

Scleroderma Treatment

In this focused discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C shares a practical approach to managing patients with systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma), with an emphasis on individualized care based on disease manifestation. From echocardiograms to pulmonary imaging, medication choices to vascular complications, this talk provides key insights into how APPs can tailor care to improve outcomes. Learn how to approach limited vs. diffuse Scleroderma, when to avoid glucocorticoids, and how to manage complications like digital ulcers and pulmonary involvement. Key takeaways include: – When to use echocardiograms, CT scans, and other diagnostics – Medication strategies: Mycophenolate, Selenomab, CCBs, ARBs, and more – Avoiding glucocorticoids in diffuse disease and managing risk of renal crisis – Treating symptomatically: digital ulcers, skin fibrosis, and blood flow support This is a must-watch for APPs in rheumatology, pulmonology, or primary care managing patients with Scleroderma.

Understanding the Landscape of ILD: Burden, Pathophysiology, and Classification

In this presentation, pulmonary nurse practitioner Corinne Young and rheumatology physician assistant Wendy Simmons explore the complex relationship between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Together, they provide a multidisciplinary perspective—highlighting how collaboration between pulmonology, rheumatology, and radiology leads to earlier diagnosis, better management, and improved outcomes. The session covers ILD classifications, common causes such as autoimmune disorders, environmental exposures, and drug toxicities, as well as diagnostic tools including high-resolution CT imaging, pulmonary function testing, and serologic assays. The speakers also discuss the importance of recognizing progressive phenotypes, understanding imaging patterns like UIP and NSIP, and tailoring therapy based on disease behavior. This session emphasizes that in ILD, time is lung—early recognition and coordinated care are essential to preserving function and extending quality of life.

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.

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

This webcast brings together rheumatology and pulmonology experts to explore the recognition and management of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with autoimmune conditions, using real-world case discussions to guide clinical decision-making. Through cases of rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD and systemic sclerosis with progressive pulmonary fibrosis, Mary Elliott, PA-C, PhD and Alanna Kavanaugh, EdD(c), FNP-BC, MSN, BSN, CCRN highlight key risk factors, early clinical signs such as dyspnea and inspiratory crackles, and the importance of diagnostic tools including pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging. The discussion emphasizes identifying high-risk patients, understanding imaging patterns like usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), and initiating timely, evidence-based treatment strategies. The session also examines evolving treatment approaches, including immunosuppressive therapies, antifibrotic agents, and biologics, while addressing common clinical dilemmas such as methotrexate use and therapy selection. A strong focus is placed on multidisciplinary collaboration, ongoing monitoring, and individualized patient care, including considerations for transplant referral and supportive interventions. Overall, this webcast provides a practical, case-based overview to help clinicians improve early detection, optimize management, and better coordinate care for patients with autoimmune-related ILD.