Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team as an assistant editor for HCPLive in August 2022. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in political science, working in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching TV, listening to podcasts, and rock climbing. You can contact him at 

A session providing clinical pearls to clinicians in the pediatric dermatology care space, titled ‘Pediatric Dermatology – Who Has Better Pearls?’ was presented at the 

2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference

 by Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, and Lisa A. Swanson, MD.

Eichenfield is known for his work as chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. Swanson is known for her role as a dual-board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist at Ada West Dermatology.

“Doing a cutthroat competition between two pediatric dermatology doctors is kind of like watching pandas fight,” Swanson joked.

Eichenfield highlighted his and Swanson’s aim, which was to provide procedural pearls on treating children with various dermatologic conditions. He began their session by discussing the treatment of various bumps and cysts identified on children in dermatology practices. He presented an image to the audience depicting what he described as ‘typical keratosis pilaris’ on a child, and a concerning bump highlighted by the child’s family

“So the question is what this is,” Eichenfield said. “Is it sebaceous cysts, pilomatricoma? One pearl is that an otoscope can help you make the diagnosis of a pilomatricoma, because this is a pilomatricoma, otherwise known as calcifying epitheliomas, and calcium does not transmit light. This is unlike a sebaceous cyst. So if you take an otoscope and put it to the skin, you’ll commonly see this bluish discoloration, and it doesn't illuminate through. Then you can make the diagnosis of pilomatricoma and reassure the family.”

The procedure can also be potentially planned differently, Eichenfield said, as pilomatricomas can be popped out of the skin. Next, Eichenfield discussed localized alopecia areata, highlighting a male patient with a quarter-sized alopecia spot on his scalp, but then developed rapid loss of a single eyebrow.

“We have these incredible new therapies,” Eichenfield said. We have oral ritlecitinib for patients who are twelve years of age or older. We have oral and topical minoxidil, but they’re not really relevant for localized alopecia…I treated him with topical clobetasol. A super potent topical corticosteroid, but not for a long period of time. Seven days, and then I did only a few days after that.”

Eichenfield also highlighted pediatric procedures, noting the difficulties commonly encountered in treating or examining certain younger children in pediatric dermatology practices. He pointed to using an iPhone to distract a child during such events as a simple yet helpful practice.

“I put forward ‘IPH’ as something you should adopt,” Eichenfield explained. “What is IPH? IPH is iPhone hypnosis. It’s really helpful in pediatric practice. Screentime might be an issue over a child’s lifetime of development, but it’s fine during a dermatology visit.”

Eichenfield also highlighted the use of a sheet wrap, or what he nicknamed a ‘burrito wrap’ for a young patient, as a way to immobilize a child’s joints for procedures. Eichenfield went on to discuss systemic treatment plans with caregivers of patients with atopic dermatitis.

“I ask, ‘When was the skin last totally clear?’” Eichenfield said. “...Of course I ask about sleep. I always ask about going to sleep and staying asleep. Two different aspects, allowing a little bit more conversation about that. I like to know the infection history because if you have an infectious history, you can explain that the consequences can be more serious. Sometimes family history is important. It's not just a document. Family history means they may have preconceived notions about therapy. They may have preconceived concerns about topical steroids.”

Swanson later discussed some of her biggest clinical pearls for pediatric practices, adding to the discussion of aversion to topical steroids. Swanson highlighted a variety of alternatives for patients’ requests.

“All of these are approved down to the age of two years now, which is really special,” Swanson said. “Tapinarof is great for hands and feet, and it doesn't get orally absorbed. So if a two-year-old puts their hands in their mouth, it's no big deal. I have found in clinical practice that tapinarof either works super, super awesome or not as well. There's kind of nothing in between. For roflumilast, we now have two strengths approved down to the age of two. It's a whole new phosphodiesterase-4 in a very special vehicle. People like the way it feels.”

Swanson highlighted roflumilast as a bit slower, though she also noted its consistency and its helpfulness to patients with atopic dermatitis. She added its use twice a week for maintenance.

“Fifty-seven percent of patients didn't have to go back to daily use for a year by using it twice a week,” Swanson explained. “Topical ruxolitinib is also approved down to two years of age. Super fast. Super effective. Great for patients with tactile sensitivity. It does have the boxed warning, but I tell people that this is in a family of medicines called the JAK inhibitor family. The family has the warning.”

Swanson added that she feels topical ruxolitinib is the one topical option that can take a patient who may be ready for dupilumab and keep them in the topical category.

 She added her view on topical ruxolitinib, potentially taking patients on dupilumab and putting such patients back into the topical realm.

“Pearl number two, compounds to the rescue,” Swanson said. “My two favorite compounds. The first is the Aron Regimen. This stuff is super dilute. It's an eight-ninths moisturizer, but it works like magic. At the pharmacy I use in Idaho called Portico, it costs forty-five dollars for a half-pound tub. They charge eight dollars to ship. So if your local compounding pharmacy wants to charge more than fifty-three dollars for it, get it from Portico. I have a vested interest in them. It can be applied up to five times a day for bad flares, and it can safely be used every night at bedtime for prevention and maintenance. And it's safe anywhere on the body.”

For any additional information on topics such as these, view the latest coverage of the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

The quotes contained in this session summary were edited for clarity.

Swanson L, Eichenfield L. Pediatric Dermatology – Who Has Better Pearls? Session presentation at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct 23-26, 2025.

Incytye. Incyte Announces Additional FDA Approval of Opzelura® (Ruxolitinib) Cream in Children Ages 2-11 with Atopic Dermatitis. September 18, 2025. Accessed November 19, 2025. 

https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-additional-fda-approval-opzelurar-ruxolitinib

Articles

Pediatric dermatology experts Lawrence F. Eichenfield and Lisa A. Swanson shared clinical insights at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference. They discussed diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and procedural tips for pediatric dermatologic conditions. Eichenfield emphasized using an otoscope for pilomatricoma diagnosis and highlighted new therapies for alopecia areata. He also recommended using iPhones and sheet wraps to manage young patients during procedures. Swanson discussed alternatives to topical steroids, including tapinarof, roflumilast, and ruxolitinib, and shared her preference for the Aron Regimen for atopic dermatitis management.

Dermatology

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Clinical Pearls in Pediatric Dermatology Highlighted in 2025 Fall Clinical Conference

Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, is a professor of medicine and a transplant hepatologist at Houston Methodist and director of the Houston Research Institute.

The therapeutic landscape for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) continues to evolve rapidly, with multiple trials exploring new mechanisms to address the complex metabolic and inflammatory pathways driving disease progression. Among the emerging agents drawing attention is HU6, a novel, oral, first-in-class controlled metabolic accelerator in development for the treatment of obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases, including MASH.

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2025

, Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, a professor of medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital and co-chairman of Summit Clinical Research’s Board of Directors, presented phase 2 data highlighting the efficacy of HU6 in reducing liver fat and improving metabolic parameters in adults with MASH.

In the study, 273 patients with MASH with a VCTE score of 7.0–15.0 kPa and an MRI-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) ≥8% were randomly assigned to receive placebo or HU6 at 150, 300, or 450 mg/d for 26 weeks in a ratio of 2:1:2:2. The primary endpoint was percent change from baseline in liver fat content by MRI-PDFF. Secondary endpoints included categorical liver fat reduction, changes in body weight, body composition, and exploratory markers of metabolic health.

At week 26, the primary endpoint was met where HU6 reduced liver fat in patients across all doses (least-squares mean difference: −29.4%, −31.2%, −27.0% for HU6 doses of 150, 300, 450 mg, respectively, vs –6.7% for placebo; 

<.005 vs placebo for each). Additionally, a ≥30% liver fat reduction occurred in the majority of patients, 57%, 58%, and 50% for HU6 doses of 150, 300, 450 mg, respectively, versus 22% with placebo (

Investigators noted HU6 doses of 300 and 450 mg reduced body weight versus placebo (

<.05). Body fat mass was reduced with ~2:1 selectivity for visceral over subcutaneous fat at the 450-mg dose, with no change in lean or skeletal muscle mass. HU6 was generally safe and well tolerated, consistent with results of 2 prior phase 2 trials.

For additional insight into the data and HU6’s potential in MASH, the editorial team of 

 spoke with Noureddin in the following Q&A:

: Can you explain a bit about HU6 and its potential utility in MASH?

: HU6 is a novel, oral controlled metabolic accelerator, and it works on the mitochondria. What you have in the mitochondria, usually in the interspace in the mitochondria, is an abundance of protons, which create what's called hyperpolarization, which leads to oxidative stress and inefficient oxidation of fat and sugar. With HU6, it opens the channels, improves this protein gradient and leads to decrease in this hyperpolarization immediately to decrease oxidative stress and improve the oxidation of blood and sugar. So it works in a selective, precise way in decreasing fat, particularly in the liver in this patient population.

How do the phase 2 data presented at AASLD add to our understanding of HU6 for MASH? What were some of the key findings?

: There was a previous trial that was done on a milder patient population, MASLD, and there also was another trial in an obese HFPEF population. They were both positive, so we extended this trial into the MASH and F2 F3 population that had transient elastography stiffness between 7 and 15. They had to have enough fat on MRIPDFF, and then we randomized them into either placebo, 150 mg, 300 mg, or 450 mg. We saw a nice drop in the MRIPDFF, the 30% drop reduction was achieved between 50 and 58% of the patient population, all statistically significant, which was really nice to see. There was also weight loss in this patient population, about 2.6 kilograms, and most of it came from the fat after we measured it. In addition, there was a differential loss of fat in the adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue compared to subcutaneous ratio, 2 to 1, and this is usually the opposite. So we preserve the muscle and got rid of the fat from the bad places that it is not supposed to be. It's also very well tolerated in comparison to the GLP-1s.

No. It had very low GI side effects. People ask about this class of drug and if there was any flushing. There was transient and gradient, no issues and no one discontinued from it. People also ask about fevers. There was no fever in this patient population, and there was no increase in heart rate or no tachycardia.

Is there anything else you would like to add or highlight?

The drug is moving forward. I think it's a very promising oral drug as a standalone for the MASH population, especially with controlled weight loss and a low discontinuation rate. It also can be added on to many other oral medications.

Editors’ note: Noureddin reports relevant disclosures with Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Madrigal, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, 89BIO, Altimmune, Boehringer Ingelheim, and others.

Noureddin M, Khan S, Schott R, et al. HU6 Oral Investigational Therapy Reduces Liver Fat and Improves Adiposity Markers in Adults with MASH: Topline Results from a Phase 2 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (M-ACCEL). Presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2025. Washington, DC. November 7-11, 2025.

Rivus Pharmaceuticals; Rivus Pharmaceuticals Announces New Data from Phase 2 M-ACCEL Trial of HU6 in MASH in Late-Breaker Oral Presentation at AASLD The Liver Meeting® 2025. November 7, 2025. Accessed November 19, 2025. 

https://www.rivuspharma.com/news/press-releases/110725/

HU6, a novel oral metabolic accelerator, shows promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by reducing liver fat and improving metabolic parameters. Phase 2 trial results presented at the AASLD 2025 meeting demonstrated significant liver fat reduction and weight loss in patients treated with HU6 compared to placebo. The study highlighted HU6's selective reduction of visceral fat over subcutaneous fat, with no adverse effects on muscle mass. HU6 was well tolerated, with minimal gastrointestinal side effects and no significant safety concerns, making it a potential standalone or adjunct therapy for MASH.

Noureddin explains HU6’s mechanism of action and phase 2 data presented at AASLD The Liver Meeting supporting its use in MASH.

Hepatology

MASH / MASLD

The HCPLive MASH & MASLD page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, and more.

Understanding HU6 and Its Emerging Role in MASH, With Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc

Martha Gulati, MD | Image Credit: Cedars Sinai

 sphere has been a double-edged sword in recent years. Often, every major advancement in treatment represents another drug or therapy that patients are obligated to take, adding to an already significant treatment burden. Additionally, patients are rarely fully aware of the reason for their prescriptions, resulting in unnecessary confusion and, in some instances, reduced adherence.

Research has encouraged patient education in heart failure treatment, with studies indicating a substantial improvement in both patient adherence and patient outcomes. Even brief interventions, such as a 1-hour nurse-delivered educational session at the time of hospital discharge from a 2014 trial, resulted in substantial improvements.

Martha Gulati, MD, associate director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center and director of cardiovascular disease prevention at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, gave a presentation during the 

American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025

 in New Orleans, Louisiana, addressing these issues.

For additional insight into how clinicians can improve patient education, the editorial team at 

 spoke with Gulati in the following Q&A:


: How can the heart failure industry as a whole approach reducing the treatment burden faced by most patients?


: Well, I think it’s a challenge. When people get a diagnosis of heart failure and we talk about these four pillars of treatment, as well as treating all the other risk factors associated with heart failure, the medication burden becomes quite a large amount for any individual. And that leads to misunderstandings from the patients about why they’re taking so many drugs. And sometimes that confusion arises then, but it can also be when they feel better. They start to ask why they need to keep taking all these drugs. The amount of medication can also cause great expense and pill burden; over time, it just wears the patient down.

I think one of the things we could do better is explaining the disease process, how these medications individually work, and why we’re giving them so many medications. How’s it going to benefit them in the long term and in the short term? Because when people understand fully how the medications work, they’ll be more informed and more understanding that some of these drugs are going to be lifelong medications for them. If we partner with the patients and understand the reasons why they don’t want to take so many medications, whether it’s due to side effects, expense, or misunderstandings about how the medications work, we can better address these issues. I think that’s the most important part. Rather than us dictating “take these medications,” it’s important for the patient to understand what they’re doing, how the drugs are going to protect them in the long term, and what might be expected as a side effect of the medication, so they can be prepared and not surprised.


: Do you believe patient education is a factor in this conversation, particularly given the rapid expansion of heart failure treatment over the last few years?


: I think patient education is the most important part of taking care of patients who are living with heart failure. This is a challenge, right? In our current day, when you see a patient, you not only have to examine them and prescribe for them, but there needs to be time to explain things to them. I think that patient education and doing shared decision making, understanding the role of therapies, is crucial. But so is understanding the role of lifestyle changes that they may need to make to improve their heart health. For instance, if they get referred to cardiac rehabilitation, how will that help them? Why are they being sent? Because I think sometimes people have different thoughts about cardiac rehab. Maybe they believe it’s only for people who’ve had heart surgery or heart stents. And yet, one of the main indications for cardiac rehab is also heart failure. Cardiac rehab is a major time commitment; it’s for 36 total visits generally, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks. That’s a lot to ask someone to do. But to understand how it might benefit them is really the missing piece. You can’t prescribe something, whether it’s cardiac rehab or medications or lifestyle changes, without explaining how that will impact them and keep them out of the hospital. In all the things we do for our patients, our goal is to keep them out of the hospital, reduce their disease burden, and hopefully prevent cardiac death. And understanding the burden of things from a patient’s perspective is so important, but we don’t spend enough time on patient education. We have a lot of tools out there.


: What advice would you give to patients regarding addressing these concerns and asserting themselves in their care?


 I think one place I often refer people to is our Cardiosmart hub at the American College of Cardiology, because we have tools to encourage patients to come back and ask their doctor questions. Sometimes the first visit can be, “here’s a whole bunch of medications and a whole bunch of things you have to do.” But when they get home, they realize they don’t understand. And then they write out those questions and come to the next visit prepared to ask those questions. A physician on our side should be ready for those questions. And again, I do think the team aspect is important because I think that sometimes a physician may not have all the time in the world to sit with our patients, but we can partner with other team members, the physician assistants or nurse practitioners, who can spend some time addressing our patients’ questions.


: On an individual level, how can clinicians work to incorporate the concerns and opinions of their patients?


: Well, that’s really the heart of shared decision making. It means putting the patient in the center and everyone else being outside that’s involved in that care, not outside the circle, just outside of the patient. And that we work to understand what impacts the patient, what is affecting their life, what their values are, what is hindering their ability to take certain medications or to do certain therapies that we advise. Any solutions that we can come up with can help the patient maybe improve their overall health. Ultimately, if we are not putting the patient at the center of their care, we will never be successful.


 How can patients avoid being pushed out of their own care processes? How can they keep from being bystanders?


: For the patient, that means understanding the decisions that are being made about them should involve them. You know that expression, “nothing about me without me?” It’s the key to how we care for patients, regardless of the disease. We should be talking with them about what they can do, what barriers are keeping them from doing these things, and how we can overcome these barriers. Do we have solutions? Do we need to do certain things stepwise? Because there is often hesitation on the patient’s end to take a lot of medications. How do we work with them to really make them understand? And I think that should be central to all care, particularly heart failure, but I would say it’s true for all disease states.

Editor's Note: Gulati reports disclosures with Novartis, Esperion, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Merck.

Prasun MA. Heart failure patient education. Heart Lung. 2014;43(6):485. 

Gulati M, Sharma K. Reframing Heart Failure Care: Amplifying Patient Voices in the Evolving Treatment Landscape. Presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. New Orleans, Louisiana. November 8-10, 2025.

Heart failure treatment advancements have increased the treatment burden for patients, often leading to confusion and reduced adherence. Patient education is crucial for improving adherence and outcomes, as demonstrated by studies showing significant benefits from educational interventions. Martha Gulati emphasizes the importance of explaining the disease process, medication benefits, and potential side effects to patients. Shared decision-making and understanding patient perspectives are vital for successful care. Clinicians should encourage patients to ask questions and involve them in their care decisions to prevent them from becoming passive participants.

Gulati discusses how cardiologists should change their standard care practices to include and educate patients, which will reduce treatment burden and improve adherence.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

Heart Failure

The HCPLive heart failure page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on HF. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for heart disease, reduced and preserved ejection fraction, and more.

Broaching the Issue of Patient Education in Heart Failure Care, With Martha Gulati, MD

Jason A. Trubiano, PhD: Melbourne Medical School

Emerging Strategies for Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions, With Jason Trubiano, PhD

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Meeting

 in Orlando, Florida, Jason A. Trubiano, PhD, MBBS, from Melbourne Medical School, discussed evolving strategies for managing 

These T-cell–mediated reactions, including DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), have long been managed with systemic corticosteroids. However, limited evidence supports corticosteroids for hypersensitivity reactions.

“It's a really difficult field because not a lot of new drugs and therapies [are] coming through,” Trubiano said. “There are rare conditions that don't get a lot of pharmaceutical attention, so we have to repurpose drugs from other diseases for this condition.”

Trubiano highlighted a shift toward exploring therapies originally developed for other immune-mediated conditions, such as hereditary angioedema (HAE), and repurposing them for severe cutaneous adverse reactions. He said the targeted mechanism of JAK inhibitors may offer a more precise way to interrupt immune pathways implicated in DRESS.

Another developing approach is T-cell modulation with agents such as etanercept. Trubiano cited a randomized controlled trial in Taiwan showing reduced mortality in SJS when etanercept was used. Many centers have begun integrating etanercept into management strategies for severe SJS cases requiring intensive care.

However, newer therapies appear unnecessary for AGEP. Patients generally recover rapidly with drug cessation and topical corticosteroids, and Trubiano noted that investigations continue to focus most heavily on conditions with greater morbidity.

A major component of Trubiano’s presentation centered on prevention. Many severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions are tied to known genetic risk factors, such as HLA-B*58:01 in allopurinol-induced reactions. He said that the next frontier will most likely combine pre-treatment genotyping with immunophenotyping to identify risk, guide drug selection, and enable precision-based interventions.

Trubiano anticipates a future where personalized medicine transforms outcomes in delayed hypersensitivity reactions. By integrating genetic testing with targeted immunomodulators, clinicians may one day prevent these reactions entirely or halt progression before patients experience critical illness.

“Rather than just blindly giving steroids, which attack everything, we should give very targeted therapies,” Trubiano said.

Trubiano, J. Spectrum Of, and Novel Treatments for, Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions. Presented at ACAAI 2025 in Orlando, Florida, on November 10.

Videos

At ACAAI 2025, Trubiano discusses repurposed immunomodulators, T-cell–targeted approaches, and genetic screening for delayed hypersensitivity management.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Ronald Witteles, MD, is a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University and co-director of the Stanford Amyloid Center and the Stanford Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Program

The panel focuses on recognizing extra-cardiac manifestations that often precede cardiac symptoms in ATTR-CM. Orthopedic signs—such as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis, biceps tendon rupture, trigger finger, and recurrent joint replacements—may occur five to ten years before cardiac involvement. Neurologic and autonomic features, including peripheral neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, diarrhea, urinary retention, and erectile dysfunction, also serve as early clues, though frequently attributed to aging or unrelated conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating clinicians across specialties to identify these signals and consider amyloidosis when patterns cluster. The panel notes that orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, primary care physicians, and geriatricians play key roles in spotting early presentations. Advanced practice providers can also help bridge communication and referral pathways. Rather than screening every patient with common conditions, the group recommends viewing these findings as risk indicators and prompting coordinated evaluation to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Extra-Cardiac Clues and Care Team Integration for Earlier ATTR-CM Detection

The panel focuses on recognizing extra-cardiac manifestations that often precede cardiac symptoms in ATTR-CM. Orthopedic signs—such as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis, biceps tendon rupture, trigger finger, and recurrent joint replacements—may occur five to ten years before cardiac involvement. Neurologic and autonomic features, including peripheral neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, diarrhea, urinary retention, and erectile dysfunction, also serve as early clues, though frequently attributed to aging or unrelated conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating clinicians across specialties to identify these signals and consider amyloidosis when patterns cluster.

The panel notes that orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, primary care physicians, and geriatricians play key roles in spotting early presentations. Advanced practice providers can also help bridge communication and referral pathways. Rather than screening every patient with common conditions, the group recommends viewing these findings as risk indicators and prompting coordinated evaluation to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

The panel focuses on recognizing extra-cardiac manifestations that often precede cardiac symptoms in ATTR-CM. Orthopedic signs—such as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis, biceps tendon rupture, trigger finger, and recurrent joint replacements—may occur five to ten years before cardiac involvement. Neurologic and autonomic features, including peripheral neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, diarrhea, urinary retention, and erectile dysfunction, also serve as early clues, though frequently attributed to aging or unrelated conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating clinicians across specialties to identify these signals and consider amyloidosis when patterns cluster.
The panel notes that orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, primary care physicians, and geriatricians play key roles in spotting early presentations. Advanced practice providers can also help bridge communication and referral pathways. Rather than screening every patient with common conditions, the group recommends viewing these findings as risk indicators and prompting coordinated evaluation to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.


Video Series

This program brings together leading experts to discuss evolving strategies for reducing recurrent cardiovascular risk in patients with ASCVD, emphasizing the importance of cumulative LDL-C exposure and the need for earlier, more intensive lipid lowering. The panel explores current guidelines, emerging data from recent trials, and practical approaches to integrating PCSK9-targeting therapies to improve long-term adherence, access, and outcomes in secondary prevention

Lipid Management in ASCVD: Current Guidelines and Key Clinical Updates

Exploration of combination and sequencing strategies for patients with refractory or advanced disease to achieve comprehensive disease control.

Application of S1P Receptor Agonists for Treating IBD

In this discussion, the panelists explore the identification of risk factors and the broader impact of psoriatic disease. The experts explain that certain clinical features—such as scalp and nail involvement, higher body surface area, and disease severity—are associated with an increased likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA). They also note that modifiable factors like obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome further contribute to this risk. While genetics play a role, the experts emphasize the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and systemic inflammation early. The conversation highlights that psoriasis should be recognized as a systemic disease rather than one limited to the skin. By identifying high-risk patients and initiating systemic therapy sooner, clinicians can better manage inflammation, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce PsA progression. The panel underscores the importance of patient education and multidisciplinary care to optimize outcomes.

Identifying Risk and Recognizing Impact in Psoriatic Disease

Cumulative LDL-C Exposure and the Persistent Challenge of Recurrent ASCVD

In this opening segment, the experts introduce this series focused on rethinking treatment goals in psoriasis. The discussion begins with an overview of the strong pathophysiologic link between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The panelists explain that both conditions share an IL-23/Th17 inflammatory pathway, where activation of Th17 cells leads to cytokine release—such as IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22—driving inflammation in both skin and joints. This common mechanism helps explain why approximately one-third of patients with psoriasis eventually develop PsA. The experts emphasize that recognizing this overlap supports the need for therapeutic strategies that target shared cytokines early in the disease course. By addressing systemic inflammation before joint damage occurs, clinicians may be able to modify disease progression and improve long-term outcomes for patients with psoriatic disease.

Understanding of the Pathophysiologic Connection Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

The panel opens by outlining the significant clinical burden of ATTR-CM. Patients often initially present with atrial arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities before developing heart failure, which commonly manifests first as exercise intolerance. Without treatment, the disease follows a progressive course that impacts both patients and caregivers, many of whom are unfamiliar with amyloidosis at diagnosis. The discussion highlights notable delays in identifying hereditary ATTR-CM, particularly among Black and Caribbean patients with the V142I variant, emphasizing the need for improved community and provider awareness.
The conversation then shifts to trends in diagnosis. While recognition of ATTR-CM has increased and patients are being diagnosed earlier—with outcomes improving when therapy is initiated sooner—significant barriers remain. A major challenge is persistent misperception of ATTR-CM as rare. The panel stresses reframing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as a syndrome requiring etiologic evaluation and encourages clinicians to consider ATTR-CM in older patients with increased ventricular wall thickness, prompting timely, appropriate diagnostic workup.


Clinical Burden and Barriers to Early Diagnosis in Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)”

Analysis of how to balance established therapies such as anti-TNFs and immunomodulators with novel agents like JAK inhibitors, S1P modulators, and IL-23 inhibitors.

Available Therapy Options for IBD and Their Place in the Current Treatment Setting

In this episode, the topic of navigating the holiday season and balancing a thriving medical career and a fulfilling family life are highlighted.

The Medical Sisterhood, with Mona Shahriari, MD

The Medical Sisterhood, hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, is a podcast dedicated to empowering female physicians by providing a platform for shared experiences, mentorship, and support. 

Each episode delves into the unique challenges women in medicine face, including work-life balance, leadership roles, and overcoming gender biases. Shahriari aims to inspire women to lead fulfilling professional and personal lives on their own terms through candid discussions and expert interviews. 

e as we foster a community where women can uplift and support each other in achieving their goals!

Podcasts

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

The Medical Sisterhood: Balance and Boundaries in the Holiday Season, With Angela Lamb, MD

Paul Whelton, MD, is a Show Chwan Health System Endowed Chair in Public Health at Tulane University.

Whelton discusses the successful results of an open-label extension investigating GMRx2, a novel triple combination pill for hypertension.

Hypertension

The HCPLive hypertension page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on high blood pressure. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for hypertension, and more.

Triple Combination Therapy Superior to Single in Lowering Blood Pressure, With Paul Whelton, MD

Patricia Stewart, MD: Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Center  

Children with HAE often face delayed or inconsistent emergency care, with clinicians citing limited condition-specific knowledge as a key contributor.

Latest News

Clinical Pearls in Pediatric Dermatology Highlighted in 2025 Fall Clinical Conference

Understanding HU6 and Its Emerging Role in MASH, With Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc

Broaching the Issue of Patient Education in Heart Failure Care, With Martha Gulati, MD

Emerging Strategies for Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions, With Jason Trubiano, PhD

Extra-Cardiac Clues and Care Team Integration for Earlier ATTR-CM Detection